"Why, that is what brought us here!" cried Grace. "We decided that there was no time like the present for talking it over."
"Then, being of the same mind, we shall no doubt accomplish wonders," laughed Arline. "When shall we give it?"
"The sooner, the better," advised Patience. "That is, if you expect the freshmen and sophomores to turn out to it. Midyear examinations are only three weeks off, and by the last of next week every one will be so desperately devoted to reviewing back lessons that the idea of a masquerade won't create an iota of enthusiasm."
"Patience is as level-headed as ever," agreed Grace. "Why not have the masquerade next Monday evening? That will give us a week to decide on our costumes and order our masks. Suppose we ask that poor old woman who keeps the little shop just beyond the campus to order our masks? I'll post a notice on the bulletin board as soon as we have secured Miss Wilder's permission to give the masquerade to the effect that masks can be bought at her shop. She is safe in ordering three hundred at least, and it will mean a small profit to her."
"Grace is always thinking of helping the needy and the downtrodden," declared Arline. "You are a really truly philanthropist, Grace, and you ought to be a fixture at Overton."
"Please don't, Arline," protested Grace, frowning a little. "I'm not a bit more interested in helping others than are you or Patience. I was just thinking to-day that I had really been selfish. It doesn't seem fair that I should have had such good times when so many girls here have nothing but hard work and worry over money matters."
"Who organized Semper Fidelis and who was the first person to think of our Christmas girls?" demanded Arline.
"You are the president of the Sempers and you collected almost all the presents for our first Santa Claus venture," evaded Grace.
"Let each be wise and wear the prize,
Let each divide the crown,
The deeds of Harlowe and of Thayer,
Are equal in renown.
Stop arguing and get to work,
For that is why we're here,
Don't waste your time in idle words,
The dinner hour is near,"
improvised Patience.