But Polly Haddon had not died. One very seldom does--of happiness. Some
way the girls managed to get her inside the Hall and administer hot
drinks and hot food and in a surprisingly short time she was herself
again.
Not quite herself, for she was beautified and transfigured with
happiness into a very different Polly Haddon from the one the girls had
known.
Miss Walters was summoned and made her come into her own private rooms.
Of course the girls went also, and while Mrs. Haddon was stretched
luxuriously on a couch in Miss Walters' sitting-room, Billie told how
she had frightened the simpleton into confessing his guilt and restoring
the stolen goods.
Billie was so modest about her leading part in the affair that Laura was
forced to interrupt occasionally, and, disregarding Billie's frowns, add
a bit of explanation here and there that enabled her audience to
visualize the thing just as it had happened.
The machinery model had been brought inside and deposited in one of the
study halls, and now Miss Walters asked Mrs. Haddon what she wished done
with it.
"We can keep it here for you, in the big school safe," she suggested,
"or we can have it carried over to your house, just as you wish."
"Oh no, leave it here," said Polly Haddon quickly. "I will notify that
Philadelphia knitting company that the invention has been recovered, and
if they still wish to buy it, it probably will not remain here long. Oh,
how can I thank you all----" her voice broke, and for a little while all
of them felt a bit uncomfortable while Polly Haddon sobbed out her
happiness and gratitude.
It was over at last, however, and the girls were free to go back to
their dormitory and the curiosity of their friends.
Here, perched on the bed with Connie and Vi, Laura gave a graphic
account of everything just as it had happened to a sympathetic audience
of some twenty girls.
She rang Billie's praises to such an extent that the poor girl tried to
hide herself in an inconspicuous corner, only to be dragged forth into
the limelight again by a couple of laughing and heartless maidens.
"You get up there where you belong," cried one of them, shoving Billie
up into the center of the bed which was already over-crowded with
giggling girls. "Don't you know that you're a real, honest-to-goodness
heroine?"
"And for the second time to-day," drawled Rose Belser, her eyes fixed a
little enviously upon Billie's pretty, flushed face. "Wasn't it enough
to win the prize, without going and getting yourself in the limelight
_again_?"
Laura and Vi flushed angrily, for there was a little malice under the
question. But Billie took it all good-naturedly.
"Well, I didn't do it on purpose--not the last part, anyway," she said.
"We know you didn't, honey," said Connie, ruffling Billie's dark curls
fondly. "You're just naturally talented."
"By the way," asked Laura, after an interval of skylarking, "does
anybody know what happened to Amanda?"
"She was suspended," replied one of the girls.
"And I thought it was a pity she wasn't expelled," spoke up another.
"Poor Eliza!" drawled Rose. "I wonder what she will do without her
master."
"Does anybody know who won the second prize?" asked Laura carelessly.
"What a queer question to ask," said Caroline Brant, who had been
dreaming about the thesis she was going to write and had hardly heard a
word of the conversation. "_You_ did, of course!"
It took a little time for this to sink in, for Laura had long ago given
up hope of winning a prize for herself. But when it did finally beat its
way into her mind she straightway proceeded to turn the place upside
down in her hilarity.
She found Billie's sewing basket, dumped out its contents, and turned it
upside down on her head for a crown.
Then she draped a bedspread about her shoulders, queen fashion, and two
of her classmates caught up the dangling ends that formed a train.
Then they marched through the halls crying, "Way for the queen!" and
gathering a crowd of giggling girls as they went.
"What's it all about?"
"Queen indeed! Just look at her with that workbasket on her head!"
"They are having the sport because Laura took the second prize in that
composition contest."
"Oh, that's it, is it? Well, I'm glad they showed up Amanda--and Billie
Bradley certainly deserved the first prize."
The merriment grew louder, and presently the crowd made Laura mount a
stand and deliver what they called "an oration."
"Tell us about making linen dusters for the Laplanders," suggested one
girl.
"Or overcoats for the heathens in Africa," suggested another.
"Or how to make sponge cake from live sponges."
"Or why Washington didn't use submarines when his army crossed the
Delaware."
"I can talk but I can't make a speech," declared Laura. "In other words,
I could say something if I could only frame my speech, properly--that
is----"
"If she could only get her tongue to working," broke in Vi, and at this
the assembled girls roared.
It was only when rumor said that Miss Walters was coming their way that
the hilarious party broke up and scurried for home and safety.
"Take off that ridiculous thing," cried Billie, jerking at the
bedspread, herself weak from laughing. "And give me back my work basket,
woman, before Miss Walters catches you and sends you after Amanda."
"Goodness," said Laura, meekly handing Billie her property, "do you
think she would? It may suit Amanda fine to be suspended, but I'm more
comfortable the way I am."
And so the time wore on with studies and lessons and fun until the girls
woke up one day to find that the summer holidays were almost upon them.
Mrs. Haddon had sold the knitting machinery model to the Philadelphia
concern at a price that was a fortune to her.
The little white cottage had been remodeled and furnished prettily, and
Polly Haddon had grown prosperous and handsome and oh, so happy.
But the most remarkable thing to the girls was the change in Mary and
Isabel and Peter Haddon. The children, who had been such sorry little
waifs in their poverty, had grown almost beautiful in the days of their
prosperity. Polly Haddon's pride in them and their pretty clothes was
almost pathetic.
The North Bend girls and Connie were often visitors at the little
cottage, and sometimes the boys went with them on their visits and were
treated to a dinner of waffles and maple syrup that, to quote Chet,
"would make an Indian's hair curl."
And now, as the girls realized how fast the time was flying, they
conceived the idea of giving a party. Not a small party, but a real one
with cake and ice-cream and snappers and everything.
"I wonder," breathed Vi daringly, "if Miss Walters would mind if we
should ask a few of the boys--just a very few, you know."
"There would have to be enough to go around," interposed Billie.
"I should say so!" said Connie with emphasis. "Especially as Billie is
sure to have at least two of them. I want to dance with Teddy and Paul
Martinson once or twice myself, my dear," she said, eyeing the laughing
Billie sternly.
"And I'm quite sure dear Rose will, too--especially Teddy," murmured
Laura, maliciously.
They found that Miss Walters was quite willing to let them have the
party and the boys, too--provided the latter did not stay too late--and
then the plans began in earnest.
They sent invitations to about twenty of the boys at the Academy and the
invitations were accepted promptly and eagerly.
About two days before the great event, the girls decorated the two big
sitting-rooms on the ground floor which Miss Walters had said they could
use, and when they had finished no ballroom ever looked prettier--even
the girls said so.
Then at last came the morning of the great day, then the afternoon and
then--the evening--and time for the girls to dress.
They had brought out their best party frocks for the occasion and the
closest chums had compared colors carefully so that they would be sure
not to "clash." Billie was to wear pale green net with a touch of pink,
Laura light blue, Connie had chosen a lovely rose pink that went well
with her fluffy fairness, and Vi had decided on golden yellow that made
her look like a queen. Rose Belser was dressed in an expensive black
frock that was far too old for her but that set off her dark prettiness
admirably.
There was Nellie Bane in white, and a number of other girls were in
pretty frocks of varied hues. All were flushed and laughing and excited,
and their happiness made every one of them pretty.
"Oh, aren't I beautiful?" cried Laura with engaging frankness as she
pirouetted before the mirror. Then she turned to Billie and hugged her
rapturously. "And you're gorgeous, honey," she cried. "I see where we
don't get even a boy apiece to-night."
The boys arrived early. It was lucky that Billie could dance with only
one boy at a time--or there might not have been "enough to go around."
"I say, Billie," Teddy cried once, waltzing her over into a corner and
gazing at her wonderingly, "I never knew you could look like that. What
is it, anyway? This green and pink thing?" lifting a piece of filmy net
gingerly between his thumb and finger.
Billie looked up impishly in his face while one foot kept time with the
music.
"Don't ask _me_," she said. "It's because I'm so happy, I guess. Oh,
come on, Teddy, let's dance!"
It was some time later that the three classmates happened to find
themselves together and alone.
"Desoited!" cried Laura dramatically. "Where's yours, Billie?"
"Gone to get me some ice-cream," said Billie.
"Wonderful," cried Laura. "So has mine!"
"And mine!" added Vi.
They giggled happily for a minute and then Billie reached out and put an
arm about each of her chums. She hugged them close, regardless of pretty
frocks.
"Girls," she said contentedly, "I think I'm the very happiest girl in
the world."
"Except me," said Laura.
"And me!" echoed Vi. "And to think----" she added, after they had
contentedly watched the happy crowd for a few moments. "To think that in
a few short weeks vacation will be here."
"Well," said Laura decidedly, "if we have any more fun this summer than
we've had this winter, we'll have to go _some_!"
"We shall indeed," said Billie, happily.
THE END.
BILLIE BRADLEY SERIES
By JANET D. WHEELER
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
1. BILLIE BRADLEY AND HER INHERITANCE, _or The Queer Homestead at Cherry
Corners_
Billie Bradley fell heir to an old homestead that was unoccupied
and located far away in a lonely section of the country. How
Billie went there, accompanied by some of her chums, and what
queer things happened, go to make up a story no girl will want
to miss.
2. BILLIE BRADLEY AT THREE-TOWERS HALL, _or Leading a Needed Rebellion_
Three-Towers Hall was a boarding school for girls. For a short
time after Billie arrived there all went well. But then the head
of the school had to go on a long journey and she left the girls
in charge of two teachers, sisters, who believed in severe
discipline and in very, very plain food and little of it--and
then there was a row! The girls wired for the head to come
back--and all ended happily.
3. BILLIE BRADLEY ON LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND, _or The Mystery of the Wreck_
One of Billie's friends owned a summer bungalow on Lighthouse
Island, near the coast. The school girls made up a party and
visited the Island. There was a storm and a wreck, and three
little children were washed ashore. They could tell nothing of
themselves, and Billie and her chums set to work to solve the
mystery of their identity.
4. BILLIE BRADLEY AND HER CLASSMATES, _or The Secret of the Locked
Tower_
Billie and her chums come to the rescue of several little
children who have broken through the ice. There is the mystery
of a lost invention, and also the dreaded mystery of the locked
school tower.
5. BILLIE BRADLEY AT TWIN LAKES, _or Jolly Schoolgirls Afloat and
Ashore_
A tale of outdoor adventure in which Billie and her chums have a
great variety of adventures. They visit an artists' colony and
there fall in with a strange girl living with an old boatman who
abuses her constantly. Billie befriended Hulda and the mystery
surrounding the girl was finally cleared up.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
THE BARTON BOOKS FOR GIRLS
By MAY HOLLIS BARTON
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. With colored jacket_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
May Hollis Barton is a new writer for girls who is bound to win instant
popularity. Her style is somewhat of a mixture of that of Louise M.
Alcott and Mrs. L. T. Meade, but thoroughly up-to-date in plot and
action. Clean tales that all girls will enjoy reading.
1. THE GIRL FROM THE COUNTRY, _or Laura Mayford's City Experiences_
Laura was the oldest of five children and when daddy got sick
she felt she must do something. She had a chance to try her luck
in New York, and there the country girl fell in with many
unusual experiences.
2. THREE GIRL CHUMS AT LAUREL HALL, _or The Mystery of the School by the
Lake_
When the three chums arrived at the boarding school they found
the other students in the grip of a most perplexing mystery. How
this mystery was solved, and what good times the girls had, both
in school and on the lake, go to make a story no girl would care
to miss.
3. NELL GRAYSON'S RANCHING DAYS, _or A City Girl in the Great West_
Showing how Nell, when she had a ranch girl visit her in Boston,
thought her chum very green, but when Nell visited the ranch in
the great West she found herself confronting many conditions of
which she was totally ignorant. A stirring outdoor story.
4. FOUR LITTLE WOMEN OF ROXBY, _or The Queer Old Lady Who Lost Her Way_
Four sisters are keeping house and having trouble to make both
ends meet. One day there wanders in from a stalled express train
an old lady who cannot remember her identity. The girls take the
old lady in, and, later, are much astonished to learn who she
really is.
5. PLAIN JANE AND PRETTY BETTY, _or The Girl Who Won Out_
The tale of two girls, one plain but sensible, the other pretty
but vain. Unexpectedly both find they have to make their way in
the world. Both have many trials and tribulations. A story of a
country town and then a city.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
THE RUTH FIELDING SERIES
By ALICE B. EMERSON
_12mo. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
Ruth Fielding was an orphan and came to live with her miserly uncle. Her
adventures and travels make stories that will hold the interest of every
reader.
Ruth Fielding is a character that will live in juvenile fiction.
1. RUTH FIELDING OF THE RED MILL
2. RUTH FIELDING AT BRIARWOODHALL
3. RUTH FIELDING AT SNOW CAMP
4. RUTH FIELDING AT LIGHTHOUSE POINT
5. RUTH FIELDING AT SILVER RANCH
6. RUTH FIELDING ON CLIFF ISLAND
7. RUTH FIELDING AT SUNRISE FARM
8. RUTH FIELDING AND THE GYPSIES
9. RUTH FIELDING IN MOVING PICTURES
10. RUTH FIELDING DOWN IN DIXIE
11. RUTH FIELDING AT COLLEGE
12. RUTH FIELDING IN THE SADDLE
13. RUTH FIELDING IN THE RED CROSS
14. RUTH FIELDING AT THE WAR FRONT
15. RUTH FIELDING HOMEWARD BOUND
16. RUTH FIELDING DOWN EAST
17. RUTH FIELDING IN THE GREAT NORTHWEST
18. RUTH FIELDING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE
19. RUTH FIELDING TREASURE HUNTING
20. RUTH FIELDING IN THE FAR NORTH
21. RUTH FIELDING AT GOLDEN PASS
22. RUTH FIELDING IN ALASKA
THE BETTY GORDON SERIES
By ALICE B. EMERSON
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
A series of stories by Alice B. Emerson which are bound to make this
writer more popular than ever with her host of girl readers.
1. BETTY GORDON AT BRAMBLE FARM, _or The Mystery of a Nobody_
At twelve Betty is left an orphan.
2. BETTY GORDON IN WASHINGTON, _or Strange Adventures in a Great City_
Betty goes to the National Capitol to find her uncle and has
several unusual adventures.
3. BETTY GORDON IN THE LAND OF OIL, _or The Farm That Was Worth a
Fortune_
From Washington the scene is shifted to the great oil fields of
our country. A splendid picture of the oil field operations of
today.
4. BETTY GORDON AT BOARDING SCHOOL, _or The Treasure of Indian Chasm_
Seeking treasures of Indian Chasm makes interesting reading.
5. BETTY GORDON AT MOUNTAIN CAMP, _or The Mystery of Ida Bellethorne_
At Mountain Camp Betty found herself in the midst of a mystery
involving a girl whom she had previously met in Washington.
6. BETTY GORDON AT OCEAN PARK, _or School Chums on the Boardwalk_
A glorious outing that Betty and her chums never forgot.
7. BETTY GORDON AND HER SCHOOL CHUMS, _or Bringing the Rebels to Terms_
Rebellious students, disliked teachers and mysterious robberies
make a fascinating story.
8. BETTY GORDON AT RAINBOW RANCH, _or Cowboy Joe's Secret_
Betty and her chums have a grand time in the saddle.
9. BETTY GORDON IN MEXICAN WILDS, _or The Secret of the Mountains_
Betty receives a fake telegram and finds both Bob and herself
held for ransom in a mountain cave.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
THE RADIO GIRLS SERIES
BY MARGARET PENROSE
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
A new and up-to-date series taking in the activities of several bright
girls who become interested in radio. The stories tell of thrilling
exploits, out-door life and the great part the Radio plays in the
adventures of the girls and in solving their mysteries. Fascinating
books that girls of all ages will want to read.
1. THE RADIO GIRLS OF ROSELAWN, _or A Strange Message from the Air_
Showing how Jessie Norwood and her chums became interested in
radiophoning, how they gave a concert for a worthy local
charity, and how they received a sudden and unexpected call for
help out of the air. A girl wanted as witness in a celebrated
law case disappears, and the radio girls go to the rescue.
2. THE RADIO GIRLS ON THE PROGRAM, _or Singing and Reciting at the
Sending Station_
When listening in on a thrilling recitation or a superb concert
number who of us has not longed to "look behind the scenes" to
see how it was done? The girls had made the acquaintance of a
sending station manager and in this volume are permitted to get
on the program, much to their delight. A tale full of action and
fun.
3. THE RADIO GIRLS ON STATION ISLAND, _or The Wireless from the Steam
Yacht_
In this volume the girls travel to the seashore and put in a
vacation on an island where is located a big radio sending
station. The big brother of one of the girls owns a steam yacht
and while out with a pleasure party those on the island receive
word by radio that the yacht is on fire. A tale thrilling to the
last page.
4. THE RADIO GIRLS AT FOREST LODGE, _or The Strange Hut in the Swamp_
The Radio Girls spend several weeks on the shores of a beautiful
lake and with their radio get news of a great forest fire. It
also aids them in rounding up some undesirable folks who occupy
the strange hut in the swamp.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
THE GIRL SCOUT SERIES
By LILIAN GARIS
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
The highest ideals of girlhood as advocated by the foremost
organisations of America form the background for these stories and while
unobtrusive there is a message in every volume.
1. THE GIRL SCOUT PIONEERS, _or Winning the First B. C._
A story of the True Tred Troop in a Pennsylvania town. Two
runaway girls, who want to see the city, are reclaimed through
troop influence. The story is correct in scout detail.
2. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT BELLAIRE, _or Maid Mary's Awakening_
The story of a timid little maid who is afraid to take part in
other girls' activities, while working nobly alone for high
ideals. How she was discovered by the Bellaire Troop and came
into her own as "Maid Mary" makes a fascinating story.
3. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT SEA CREST, _or The Wig Wag Rescue_
Luna Land, a little island by the sea, is wrapt in a mysterious
seclusion, and Kitty Scuttle, a grotesque figure, succeeds in
keeping all others at bay until the Girl Scouts come.
4. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT CAMP COMALONG, _or Peg of Tamarack Hills_
The girls of Bobolink Troop spend their summer on the shores of
Lake Hocomo. Their discovery of Peg, the mysterious rider, and
the clearing up of her remarkable adventures afford a vigorous
plot.
5. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT ROCKY LEDGE, _or Nora's Real Vacation_
Nora Blair is the pampered daughter of a frivolous mother. Her
dislike for the rugged life of Girl Scouts is eventually changed
to appreciation, when the rescue of little Lucia, a woodland
waif, becomes a problem for the girls to solve.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
THE LINGER-NOT SERIES
By AGNES MILLER
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
This new series of girls' books is in a new style of story writing. The
interest is in knowing the girls and seeing them solve the problems that
develop their character. Incidentally, a great deal of historical
information is imparted.
1. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE MYSTERY HOUSE, _or The Story of Nine
Adventurous Girls_
How the Linger-Not girls met and formed their club seems
commonplace, but this writer makes it fascinating, and how they
made their club serve a great purpose continues the interest to
the end, and introduces a new type of girlhood.
2. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE VALLEY FEUD, _or The Great West Point Chain_
The Linger-Not girls had no thought of becoming mixed up with
feuds or mysteries, but their habit of being useful soon
entangled them in some surprising adventures that turned out
happily for all, and made the valley better because of their
visit.
3. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THEIR GOLDEN QUEST, _or The Log of the Ocean
Monarch_
For a club of girls to become involved in a mystery leading back
into the times of the California gold-rush, seems unnatural
until the reader sees how it happened, and how the girls helped
one of their friends to come into her rightful name and
inheritance, forms a fine story.
4. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE WHISPERING CHARMS, _or The Secret from Old
Alaska_
Whether engrossed in thrilling adventures in the Far North or
occupied with quiet home duties, the Linger-Not girls could work
unitedly to solve a colorful mystery in a way that interpreted
American freedom to a sad young stranger, and brought happiness
to her and to themselves.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
THE CURLYTOPS SERIES
By HOWARD R. GARIS
_Author of the famous "Bedtime Animal Stories"_
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
1. THE CURLYTOPS AT CHERRY FARM, _or Vacation Days in the Country_
A tale of happy vacation days on a farm.
2. THE CURLYTOPS ON STAR ISLAND, _or Camping out with Grandpa_
The Curlytops were delighted when grandpa took them to camp on
Star Island.
3. THE CURLYTOPS SNOWED IN, _or Grand Fun with Skates and Sleds_
The Curlytops, with their skates and sleds, on lakes and hills.
4. THE CURLYTOPS AT UNCLE FRANK'S RANCH, _or Little Folks on Ponyback_
Out West on their uncle's ranch they have a wonderful time.
5. THE CURLYTOPS AT SILVER LAKE, _or On the Water with Uncle Ben_
The Curlytops camp out on the shores of a beautiful lake.
6. THE CURLYTOPS AND THEIR PETS, _or Uncle Toby's Strange Collection_
An old uncle leaves them to care for his collection of pets.
7. THE CURLYTOPS AND THEIR PLAYMATES, _or Jolly Times Through the
Holidays_
They have great times with their uncle's collection of animals.
8. THE CURLYTOPS IN THE WOODS, _or Fun at the Lumber Camp_
Exciting times in the forest for Curlytops.
9. THE CURLYTOPS AT SUNSET BEACH, _or What Was Found in the Sand_
The Curlytops have a fine time at the seashore, bathing, digging
in the sand and pony-back riding.
10. THE CURLYTOPS TOURING AROUND, _or The Missing Photograph Albums_
The Curlytops fall in with a moving picture company and get in
some of the pictures.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_