Hilary drew much interest with a difficult composition on the pipe organ. The recitals were always held in the chapel in order to have this instrument.
The Girls’ Glee Club sang, and the Collegiate Orchestra, with violins, cellos and harp, played the sort of dreamy, rippling music that Lilian loved. “I hope that I can play in that next year,” said she. “Miss Randolph may let the girls give a concert or two next year, here in the village, anyway.”
The recital closed with the playing of a concerto by one of the collegiate girls, with her teacher at the other piano. This was well done and made an impressive ending to the evening which meant so much in work and attainment.
But the entertainment to which the girls probably looked forward with most anticipation was that of the lawn fete. It was a yearly “benefit” to some Greycliff enterprise, which varied from year to year. The military school, the village and any friends near or far were invited. Not much money was expected, to result, only some small return to be applied to the grounds, the buildings, one of the departments, or whatever happened to be the chief interest of the year. At this, the young gentlemen were permitted to invite the young ladies and buy for them ice cream, cake or other of the light refreshments offered. A candy booth on the front lawn was always a great attraction. In case of rain all could retire to the dining room, but it never rained, according to the Greycliff girls.
One day a square, white envelope to “Miss Cathalina Van Buskirk, Greycliff Hall,” came in the mail. Cathalina and Betty were in the crowd which always gathered around the “post-office,” as they called it, where the mail was given out. Cathalina at once started off with it, but Betty begged her to wait for her till the mail was distributed. “I’m looking for a letter from home,” she said, with twinkling eyes. Cathalina understood and smiled as she moved off a little from the rest and opened her note.
Nothing, alas, for Betty, no pretty white invitation, for all the girls recognize the military school stationery and there were a number of such notes in the mail today. Betty was wondering if Donald would ask her to be his guest at the lawn fete, or if possibly he was asking some other girl. Dorothy Appleton would know, but naturally Betty would not ask any one. The girls were just as friendly to Dorothy as ever, but could not help but feel that Dorothy and Jane had refused their closer intimacy, and Myrtle Wiseman was constantly with both Dorothy and Jane.
“It’s Captain Van Horne, Betty,” said Cathalina, as Betty joined her. She handed Betty the invitation.
“Isn’t it nice! Very grown up, written in the third person and all.”
“I feel very much flattered that a young man who knows as much as he does should think it was interesting to call on me. What shall I wear, Betty?”
“Your newest, prettiest summer frock.”