Landis advanced. Azzie struck up an accompaniment, while the whole class of Seniors came out strong on the refrain.

“They were so young, this Middler class of ours. They brought to mind the newly-opened flowers. They to the grasses closely were related. They were so green, so unsophisticated.
(Refrain)
Softly speak, and lowly bow your head, We are alone. The Middler class is dead.
“We did our best. No duty left undone Weighs on our hearts at the setting of the sun. What though their choice was weeds instead of flowers Censure not us. The fault was never ours. From early dawn until the dim twilight We were to them a bright and shining light.
(Refrain) Weep if you can; slowly, lightly tread. They are gone. The Middler class is dead. Th’ Middler—class—is—d-e-a-d.”

With this, the Seniors arose. Six again took possession of the long box. The procession filed slowly from the room, while Azzie played a dirge.

The Middlers and Freshmen followed after them, and the laughing and chattering began again. Every one was humming “The Middler—class—is dead.”

The line of girls passed down the main hall, the audience following them to see what new thing was to take place.

The members of the faculty, with Dr. Morgan, stood here. At the sight of their smile-wreathed faces, the gravity of the Seniors gave way. Landis laughed aloud. The others followed her example. The lines broke. The girls gathered about the teachers, talking and making merry over their escapade.

“I never realized what a nervous strain it is to control oneself so long,” said Nora, joining Dr. Morgan. “I felt as though I must shriek and laugh, and there I had to sit and pretend to be overcome with sorrow.”

Dr. Morgan had been glancing over a special edition of the evening paper. She folded it quickly as Nora came up to her. “You did admirably, Miss O’Day,” she said. “I could not be present all the while.”

Nora O’Day did not hear. She was leaning forward, her lips parted; her eyes, bright with excitement, were upon the paper.

“May I see this for a moment, Dr. Morgan?” she asked excitedly. “What is it about the strike?”