"You'll just have to let me tell it, Anne," laughed Nora O'Malley. "I can't keep it to myself."
Rather to Anne's surprise, there was little disapproval expressed in regard to her coming engagement. Those who had seen her enact "Rosalind" in the High School production of "As You Like It," fully described in "Grace Harlowe's Junior Year at High School," had been then convinced that her ability was little short of genius. But the interest of the thing deepened when the story crept about that this engagement meant a college career for her, and Anne became the idol of the hour.
"The whole town has gone mad over Anne," replied Jessica. "I expect to see a howling populace at the station when she leaves for New York to-morrow."
The three chums were seated upon the single bed in Anne's little room at the Pierson cottage, while Anne sat on the floor before an open trunk, busily engaged in packing.
"What shall we do without you!" lamented Grace. "Positively I have sorrowfully accompanied departing friends to the station so many times since school began that it's becoming second nature to me."
"Good-bye, forever; good-bye, forever," hummed Nora.
"Stop it instantly, Nora," commanded Grace. "Don't harrow my feelings until the time comes."
"Anne, you must write to us often," stipulated Jessica.
"Of course I shall," replied Anne. "Remember you are all coming down to see me, the very first Saturday that you can. I do hope the boys can make arrangements to be there at the same time."
"How lovely it was of Mrs. Gibson to suggest a theatre party and offer to chaperon us," said Nora.