Marian smiled affectedly at the judge's words, in a manner so foreign to her former, blunt, good-natured self, that the girl chums watched her in silent amazement.
But the judge's inkstand was merely the fore-runner of surprises. A sudden cry from Grace attracted the attention of the others.
"Why, Marian Barber, what made you do it?"
Then other exclamations followed in quick succession as the Phi Sigma Taus rushed over to her in a body, each carrying a jeweler's box.
"You shouldn't have been so generous, Marian," said Grace. "I never dreamed of receiving this beautiful gold chain."
"Just look at my bracelet!" cried Jessica.
"And my lovely ring!" put in Nora.
"Not half so fine as my silver purse," commented Anne.
Miriam Nesbit was the recipient of a cut glass powder box with a silver top, while Eva Allen was in raptures over a gold chatelaine pin, that more than once she had vainly sighed for.
Even the boys had been so well remembered that they felt rather embarrassed when they compared their simple gifts to Marian with those she had given them. As for Mr. Henry Hammond, he had received a complete toilet set mounted in silver that was truly a magnificent affair, while Marian proudly exhibited a gold chain and locket set with small diamonds, which she had received from him.