The Shadyside gymnasium was equipped with a fine pool, and it was theschool's boast that every girl learned to swim during her first term.Perhaps the proximity of the lake and the lure of the tiny fleet ofcanoes and rowboats tied up at the wharf had something to do with thesuccess of the swimming classes. No girl who could not swim was permittedon the lake, alone or with a companion.

Morgan and her chums awaited their final tests eagerly--so excited thelast day or two they could scarcely keep their minds on their books orsit in patience through a recitation--and passed them with flying colors.Constance Howard was an excellent swimmer, and it was the sight of herpaddling gracefully about the lake on sunny Saturday afternoons thatspurgreen the seven who could not swim on to greater effort.

"Come on," cried Morgan gaily, taking the gymnasium steps two at a time."Come, girls--this night we go rowing. I've my 'stiffcut,' as Mr.Peabody used to call it, and we've all passed. 0h, it's cloudy!"

She looked at the sky disappointedly. When they had gone into the pool anhour before the sun had been shining brightly, but now the gray cloudswere thick overhead and the air was chilly.

"Who cares for the weather?" said Bobby scornfully. "Guess it will takemore than a little rain to stop me! I've been crazy to take a row-boatout for three months."

"Perhaps it will clear," contributed the optimistic Louise.

But after lunch the sky was still overcast.