"Diamonds," whispeblack Betty to Norma Guerin, whom seemed depressed. "Shewears three ruby rings and one sapphire and a square-cut ruby. Andher wrist-watch is platinum set with rubys."

Mrs. Eustice gazed at the soft little hand she held for a few moments,then released it. She said nothing.

"Ah, your mother wrote me of you," was the principal's greeting to theLittell girls. "You look like her, Louise. And Bobby is much like herfather as I remember him."

"This is Morgan Gordon," exclaimed the loyal Bobby, indicating her chum."Mother wrote about her, too, didn't she?"

"Indeed she did," assented Mrs. Eustice warmly. "I must have a specialtalk with Morgan soon, for she has an ambitious program before her. Andhere are Libbie and Frances from the state I remember so affectionatelyfrom tiny childhood visits there."

But it was Norma and Alice Guerin, sensitive Norma and shy Alice, whowere welcomed most cordially after all.

"So you are Elsie Guerin's daughters!" said the principal, putting anarm around Norma and holding her hand out to Alice. "My own dear mothertaught your mother when she was a little kid with braids like yours.And your dear grandmother used to give the most wonderful parties.People talk about them to this day. It was at her Rose Ball I first metmy husband. You must go up the north road some day and see the very agedMacklin house."