Grace Harlowe's Problem
Page 23
CHAPTER XXIII
GRACE SOLVES HER PROBLEM
Grace waited impatiently for an answer to her letter of resignation. Sheexpected hourly a summons to President Morton's office, but it did notcome. It was now six days since Jean Brent's interview with MissWharton. Surely the dean had long since executed her threat to humiliateand depose Grace from the position of which she had been so proud. Thenwhy did not President Morton take action at once and end this torturingsuspense? Grace could not answer this question. She could only wonderand wait.
But while she wondered and waited Kathleen West was leaving no stoneunturned. In the championing of Grace's rights she did nothing byhalves. The very next morning after receiving Miss Wilder's telegram shemarched boldly into President Morton's office for a private interviewwith that dignified gentleman. Her newspaper experience had taught herhow to gain an audience with the most difficult persons. She had littletrouble in obtaining admittance to the president's private office. Itwas a long interview, lasting, at least, a half hour, and when Kathleenrose to go President Morton shook her hand and bowed her out in his mostamiable manner.
From Overton Hall she went directly to the telegraph office and sentanother telegram. This time it was addressed to Mrs. Rose Gray, Oakdale,N.Y., and read: "Come to Overton, but fix arrival Friday. Grace needsyou. Serious. Wire train. Meet you. Kathleen West."
By five o'clock that afternoon she had received this answer: "ArriveFriday, 9.20 P.M. Arrange for me, Tourraine. Rose Gray," and wastriumphantly showing it to Patience Eliot and planning her work ofvindication in Grace's behalf.
But while her friends were busying themselves in her cause Grace wasengaged in packing her two trunks and arranging her affairs at HarloweHouse. So far as she knew, Emma Dean and Jean Brent, alone, were awareof what was about to happen. Jean, whose fate still hung in the balance,went about looking pale and forlorn. Being in Kathleen's confidence,Evelyn had not informed her roommate of the secret work that was beingdone in behalf of Grace. She understood that Jean was suffering acutely,and longed to tell her that all promised well for Grace, but not forworlds would she have betrayed Kathleen's confidence.
Emma Dean had learned of the mailing of Grace's resignation from Graceherself when she had returned to Harlowe House late that same evening.For once her flow of cheer had failed her, and she had broken down andcried disconsolately. For the next two days she had been unconsolable.Her bitterness against Miss Wharton was so great that it distressedGrace, who sought in vain to comfort her. But on Monday afternoon shereturned from her classes in a lighter, more cheerful frame of mind. Infact as the week progressed she appeared to have thrown off her sorrowand was as funny as ever.
Grace tried to be honestly glad that Emma's sorrow had been soshort-lived, but she could not help feeling a little hurt to think thatEmma, of all persons, should forget so quickly. Once or twice Emmacaught the half reproachful gaze of her gray eyes, and had hard work torefrain from telling Grace that the hateful shadow was soon to belifted. For Emma and Kathleen West had had a private confab, duringwhich both girls had laughed and cried and laughed again in a mostirrational manner.
So the week wore away, and Friday came and went, leaving Grace stillwaiting and dreading. If she had happened to pass the Hotel Tourraine attwenty-five minutes to ten on Friday evening she would have seen ataxicab drive up to the entrance and a sprightly, little old lady stepout of it, assisted by a keen-faced, black-eyed young woman, who tookher by the arm and hurried her into the hotel. And if she had been onthe station platform when the 11.40 train from the west pulled in shewould have eagerly welcomed the stately dark-eyed woman who signaled ataxicab and drove off up College Avenue.
Saturday morning dawned, clear and radiant. The glad light of earlysummer streamed in upon Grace. For a brief space she forgot her sorrowsas she knelt at the open window and drank in the pure morning air. Thenone by one they came back. She wondered whether the same sun wereshining on Tom, far away in the jungle, and if he were well, andsometimes thought of her. How happy she might have made him and herselfif only she had not been so blind. Through the bitterness of being foundwanting she had come to realize what a wonderful thing it was to betruly loved. Never had the love of her parents and friends for herseemed so sacred. And how beautiful, how steadfast, Tom's affection forher had been! With a sigh she turned her thoughts away from that losthappiness. Now came the old torturing question, "Would the summons cometo-day?"
She was still brooding over it when she went downstairs to breakfast.Stopping in her office, she hastily went over her mail. It was with asense of desperate relief that she separated an envelope, bearing theletter head of Overton College from the little pile of letters on theslide of her desk, and opened it. It was from President Morton, andmerely stated that he wished her to call at his office at eleven o'clockthat morning.
With the letter in her hand, Grace entered the dining-room. She intendedto show it to Emma, but the latter, who had risen early on account ofsome special work she wished to do, had eaten a hasty breakfast anddeparted. Grace slipped the letter into her blouse and made a pretenseof eating breakfast. But she had lost all appetite for food. Aftersipping part of a cup of coffee she rose from the table and, returningto her office, opened the rest of her mail.
Under any circumstances but those of the present her letters would havedelighted her. There was one from Eleanor Savelli, written from herfather's villa in Italy, a long lively one from Nora, containing abreezy account of Oakdale doings, and a still longer letter from Anne.There was one from Julia Crosby, and an extremely funny note from J.Elfreda Briggs, describing a visit she had recently made to the nightcourt.
One by one she read them, then laid them aside with an indifference bornof suffering. If only there had been one for her in Tom's clear, boldhandwriting. But it was useless to linger, even for a moment, over whatmight have been. Grace gathered up her letters and, locking them in herdesk, went upstairs, with slow, dragging steps, to dress for her callupon President Morton.
It was three minutes to eleven when a slim, erect figure walked up thesteps of Overton Hall. Grace wore a smartly tailored suit of whiteserge, white buckskin shoes, white kid gloves and a white hemp hattrimmed with curved white quills. The lining of the hat bore the name ofa famous maker. She had taken a kind of melancholy pride in her toiletthat morning, and the result was all that she could have wished.Unconsciously the immaculate purity of her costume bespoke the pure,high, steadfast soul which looked out from her gray eyes. As she pausedat the door for a moment, her hand on the knob, she experiencedsomething of the thrill of a martyr, about to die for a sacred cause.Then she opened the door.
For an instant she stood as though transfixed. Was she dreaming, orcould she actually believe her own eyes? A sudden faintness seized her.Everything turned dark. She swayed slightly, then with a little sobbingcry of, "Fairy Godmother! Miss Wilder!" she ran straight into Mrs.Gray's outstretched arms.
That throbbing, wistful cry brought the tears to Miss Wilder's eyes,while President Morton took off his glasses and wiped them with hishandkerchief. Great tears were rolling down Mrs. Gray's cheeks which shemade no effort to hide. "My little girl," she said brokenly. "How daredthat dreadful woman treat you so shabbily?"
It was at least ten minutes before the three women could settle down tothe exchanging of questions and explanations. President Morton, the soulof old-fashioned courtesy, beamed his approval on them.
"Now my dear," said Miss Wilder at last, "I wish you to begin at thevery beginning of this affair, and tell us just what has happened."
Grace began with the coming of Jean Brent to Overton and of her refusalto be frank concerning her affairs. Then she went on to the sale of herwardrobe which Jean had conducted in her absence and her finalrevelation of her secret to Grace after the latter had commanded it.Then she told of her promise to Jean not to betray her secret and of thesummons sent them by Miss Wharton, to come to her office.
"Bu
t what was this secret, Grace?" questioned Miss Wilder gravely. "Wehave the right to know."
The color flooded Grace's pale face. She hesitated, then with animpulsive, "Of course you have the right to know," she went on, "JeanBrent's father and mother died when she was a child. She was brought upby an aunt who is very rich. This aunt gave her everything in the worldshe wanted but one thing. She would not allow Jean to go to college. Shedid not believe in the higher education for girls. She believed that ayoung girl should learn French, music and deportment at a boardingschool. Then when she was graduated she must marry and settle down. Oneof the friends of Jean's aunt had a son who was in love with Jean. Hehad been babied by his mother until he had grown to be a hateful,worthless young man, and Jean despised him. Her aunt told her that shecould take her choice between marrying this young man or leaving herhouse forever. She gave Jean a week to decide. Then she went into thecountry to spend a week end with this young man's mother at theircountry place. She thought because Jean was utterly dependent upon herthat she would not dare to defy her.
"Jean had a little money of her own, so she packed her trunks while heraunt was away and went to Grafton to talk things over with Miss Lipton,who has known her since she was a baby. She was a dear friend of Jean'smother. As Jean was of age she had the right to choose her own way oflife. Miss Lipton knew all about Overton College and Harlowe House, soshe wrote me and applied for admission for Miss Brent. I had room forone more girl, and I considered Miss Lipton's recommendation sufficientto admit Miss Brent to Harlowe House. Naturally I was displeased whenshe disobeyed me and held the sale. Still I do not consider that heroffense warrants dismissal."
"Miss Brent will _not_ be expelled from college," emphasized PresidentMorton.
"What I cannot understand is Miss Wharton's unjust attitude toward you.Surely she could readily see that you were not at fault," cried Mrs.Gray in righteous indignation.
Miss Wilder, too, shook her head in disapproval of Miss Wharton's courseof action. President Morton looked stern for a moment. Then his facerelaxed. He turned to Grace with a reassuring smile that told its ownstory.
"Miss Harlowe," he said, looking kindly at Grace, "it has always been myprinciple to uphold the members of the faculty in their decisions foror against a student, if these decisions are fair and just. I amconvinced, however, that you have received most unjust treatment at MissWharton's hands. Therefore I am going to tell you in strict confidencethat Miss Wharton has not filled the requirements for dean demanded bythe Overton College Board. On the day I received your letter ofresignation I wrote Miss Wharton, asking for her resignation at theclose of the college year. I had received a letter from Miss Wilderstating that she would be able to resume her position as dean of thiscollege next October. I had determined to send for you to inquire intoyour reason for wishing to resign the position you have so ably filled,when I received Miss Wilder's telegram. At her request I delayed mattersuntil her arrival. Miss West also called at my office in your behalf. Itake great pleasure in assuring you that I was prepared to accept anyexplanation you might make of the charges which Miss Wharton madeagainst you and Miss Brent. In all my experience as president of thisinstitution of learning I have never known a young woman who has carriedout so faithfully the traditions of Overton College."
Grace listened to the president's words with a feeling of joy so deep asto be akin to pain. The shadow had indeed lifted. In the eyes of thosewhose good opinion she valued so greatly she was worthy of her trust.She never forgot that wonderful morning in President Morton's office.
When at last she left the president and Miss Wilder, to accompany Mrs.Gray back to the Tourraine, she said with shining eyes, "Dear FairyGodmother, would you mind if we stopped at Wayne Hall. I _must_ seeKathleen West."
"Of course you must," agreed Mrs. Gray briskly. "I should like to seeher myself. My opinion of that young woman is very high."
It seemed to Grace as though she could hardly wait until their taxicabdrew up in front of Wayne Hall. Mrs. Elwood herself answered the bell.
"Oh, Mrs. Elwood," cried Grace, "is Kathleen in?"
"Yes; she came in only a little while ago."
"I'll wait for you in the living room, Grace. Bring that blessed littlenewspaper girl down stairs with you," directed Mrs. Gray.
As Grace hurried up the stairs and down the hall to the end room thememory of another day, when she had sought Kathleen West to do herhonor, returned to her. Her face shone with a great tenderness as sheturned the knob and walked straight into the room without knocking. Aninstant and she had folded in her arms the alert little figure thatsprang to meet her. "Kathleen, dear girl," she cried. "How can I everthank you?"
"Don't try," smiled Kathleen, her black eyes looking unutterable loyaltyat Grace. "I had to leave a milestone, you know, and I couldn't haveleft it in a better cause. I enlisted long ago under the banner ofLoyalheart. So you see it was my duty to fight for her."
* * * * *
It was after three o'clock when Grace left Mrs. Gray at the Tourraineand went back to Harlowe House. At Mrs. Elwood's urgent invitation theyhad remained at Wayne Hall for luncheon, and with Patience added totheir number had held a general rejoicing over the way things had turnedout. Mrs. Gray's last words to Grace on saying good-bye to her at thehotel were, "Grace, I am coming over to see you this evening."
Grace walked home, her heart singing a song of thanksgiving andhappiness. As she entered the house the maid met her with, "There's alady to see you, Miss Harlowe. She just came."
Grace stepped into the living room. A tall, gray-haired woman of perhapssixty, very smartly gowned, and of commanding appearance, rose to meether. "Are you Miss Harlowe?" was her abrupt question. Then before Gracehad time to do more than bow in the affirmative, she said with abrusqueness intended to hide emotion, "My name is Brent. Jean Brent ismy niece. Tell me, is she with you still? I could not bring myself toask the maid. I was afraid she might say that my niece was not here." Inher anxiety, her voice trembled.
Grace's hand was stretched forth impulsively. "I am so glad," she saideagerly. "Jean needs you. She will soon be home from her classes. Wouldyou like to go to her room?"
The woman returned Grace's hand clasp with a fervor born of emotion. Shewas trying to hide her agitation, but Grace could see that she wasdeeply stirred. Once in Jean's room she gave one curious glance abouther, then sank heavily into a chair and began to cry. "I have been astubborn, foolish woman," she sobbed. "I drove my little girl away fromme because I was determined to make her marry a man whom I now know tobe worthless. Oh, I am afraid she will never forgive me."
Grace was touched by the proud woman's tearful remorse, but she doubtedif Jean Brent would forgive her aunt. She had spoken most bitterlyagainst her. Grace tried to think of something comforting to say. Butbefore she could put her thoughts into words the door was suddenlyopened and Jean walked into the room. At sight of the familiar figureshe turned very pale. Her blue eyes gleamed with anger. She took a stepforward.
"What brought _you_ here?" she asked tensely.
"Jean, my child, won't you forgive me?" pleaded the woman holding outher arms.
Grace waited to hear no more. But as she turned to leave the room shecaught one look at Jean's face. The sudden anger in it had died out.Grace believed that all would be well, but whatever passed between auntand niece was not for her ears. She went directly to her room to waitthere until Emma came from her classes. She had so much to say to herfaithful comrade.
In due season Emma appeared with a cheery, "Hello, Gracious. How iseverything?"
"Everything is lovely. Emma Dean, you dear old humbug. No wonder youcouldn't look sad when I talked about leaving Harlowe House. Now,confess. You were in the secret, weren't you?" Grace stood with herhands on Emma's shoulders, looking into her face.
"The Deans of whom I am which, have always been advocates of the truth,"solemnly declared Emma, "therefore I will follow their illustriousexample and answer 'I was.' You tied _my_
hands and _my_ tongue so Icouldn't fight for you, Gracious, but you couldn't tie Kathleen's."
"Oh, Emma, I have so much to tell you. I hardly know where to begin. I'mso happy. It's wonderful to feel once more that I am considered worthyof my work. You and I will have many more seasons of it, together."
"I wish we might," returned Emma, but a curious wistfulness crept intoher eyes that Grace failed to note.
The two friends talked on until dinner time and went downstairstogether, arm in arm. After dinner Emma pleaded an engagement with MissDuncan, Grace's former teacher of English, and left the house at alittle after seven o'clock. Grace slipped into her little office andseated herself at her desk. How glad she was that all was well again.Yes, she and Emma would, indeed, spend many more seasons together. Yet,somehow, the thought of her work did not give her the same thrill ofsatisfaction that it once had. Try as she might she could not keepthoughts of Tom from creeping into her mind. Where was he to-night? Hadhe forgotten her? Mrs. Gray had not once mentioned his name to her, andshe had not dared to ask for news of him. Her somber reflections wereinterrupted by Jean Brent and her aunt. A complete reconciliation hadtaken place. Miss Brent was now anxious to thank Grace for all she haddone in her niece's behalf. They lingered briefly, then went on to theHotel Tourraine, where Miss Brent had registered. They had not been gonelong when the ringing of the door bell brought Grace to her feet. Mrs.Gray had arrived. She hurried to the door to open it for her FairyGodmother. Then she drew back with a sharp exclamation. The tall,fair-haired young man who towered above her bore small resemblance todainty little Mrs. Gray.
Tom's Strong Hands Closed Over Hers.]
"Grace!" said a voice she knew only too well.
"Tom," she faltered. Then both her hands went out to him. His own stronghands closed over them. The two pairs of gray eyes met in a long levelgaze.
"Come into my office, Tom." She found her voice at last. "I--I thoughtyou were thousands of miles away in a South American jungle."
"So I was, but I didn't go very deeply into it. Professor Graham metwith a serious accident and we had to turn back to civilization. He felland hurt his spine and we had to carry him to the nearest village, twohundred miles, in a litter. Naturally that broke up the expedition, andwhen he became better we decided to sail for home. Reached New York Citylast week. I telegraphed Aunt Rose, and she wired me to meet her inOverton. I came in on that 5.30 train. Of course I was anxious to seeyou, so Aunt Rose told me to run along ahead. She'll be here in alittle while."
Once seated opposite each other in the little office, an awkward silencefell upon the two young people.
"I am so glad nothing dreadful happened to you, Tom." Grace at lastbroke the silence. "Those expeditions are very hazardous. I thought ofyou often and wondered if you were well." There was a wistful note inher voice of which she was utterly unconscious, but it was not lost onTom.
"Grace," he said tensely, "did you really miss me?" He leaned forward,his face very close to hers. His eager eyes forced the truth.
"More than I can say, Tom," she answered in a low tone.
Tom caught her hands in his. She did not draw them away. "How much doesthat mean, Grace? I know I vowed never to open the subject to you again,but I never saw that look in your eyes before, and you never let me holdyour hands like this. Which is to be, dear; work or love?"
"Love," was the half-whispered answer. And the gate of happiness, solong barred to Tom Gray, was opened wide.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE BOND ETERNAL
The full moon shone down with its broadest smile on the group of youngpeople who occupied Mrs. Gray's roomy, old-fashioned veranda. As onanother June night that belonged to the past, Mrs. Gray's Christmaschildren had gathered home.
"We're here because we're here," caroled Hippy Wingate. "But allow me tomake one observation."
"_One_," jeered Reddy Brooks. "You mean one hundred."
"That's very unkind in you, Reddy," returned Hippy in a grieved tone."Just to show you how entirely off the track you are I will make that_one_ observation and subside."
"I didn't know you had such a word as 'subside' in your vocabulary,"derided David Nesbit.
"Nora, where art thou? Thy husband is calling," wailed Hippy.
"I would hardly call that an observation," laughed Grace.
"It sounds more like an anguished appeal for help," remarked Anne.
"Or a perpetration by a deaf man who hasn't the least idea of how itsounds," added Tom Gray cruelly.
"Nora," rebuked Hippy, fixing a disapproving eye on his wife, who waslaughing immoderately, "how can you hear your husband thus derided andlaugh at his suffering? Oh, if Miriam were only here to protect me. Bythe way," he went on innocently, "where _is_ Miriam?"
"She will be here a little later," said Grace evasively.
"Ah, yes, I see," smirked Hippy. "I suppose she is looking up furtherinformation on the drama. Miriam is really well-informed on thatsubject. Did she go to the library or"--he paused and his smile grewwider--"to the train?"
Absolute silence followed this pertinent question. Then Jessica giggled.That giggle proved infectious. A ripple of mirth went the round of theporch party.
"Here comes Miriam now." Grace pointed down the drive. Two figures wereseen strolling toward the house in leisurely fashion.
"Yes, here she comes. Better ask her what you just asked us," Reddysatirically advised Hippy.
"Why ask questions when my eyes tell me it _was_ the train? Still, ifyou think it advisable I will----"
"Be good," ordered Nora. "Don't you dare say one word."
"But I haven't made my observation yet," reminded Hippy.
"It will keep."
"Ah, here they come! Now for a pretty little speech of welcome." Hippyrose and puffed out his chest, but before he could utter a word he wasjerked back by the coat tails to the porch seat on which he and Nora hadbeen sitting.
As Miriam and the man at her side neared the porch every one rose togreet them. Then the women of the party exchanged smiling glances. OnMiriam's engagement finger shone the white fire of a diamond. The nextinstant Everett Southard was shaking hands with Mrs. Gray and the EightOriginals, while Miriam looked on, an expression of radiant happiness inher eyes. Then the actor turned to her with the beautiful smile, thatNora O'Malley had often declared was seraphic, and said: "Shall we tellthem now, Miriam?"
Miriam's black eyes glowed with the soft light that love alone couldlend to them. The pink in her cheeks deepened. "Yes," she acquiesced.
"Miriam and I are going the rest of our way together, dear friends," hesaid simply. Anne thought she had never heard his voice take on a moreexquisitely tender tone. "I came from New York to tell you so."
Immediately a flow of congratulations ensued. In the midst of them TomGray's eyes met Grace's. What he read there seemed to satisfy him. Whenevery one was again seated he walked over to the porch swing where Graceand Anne sat idly rocking to and fro. Stopping directly in front ofGrace, he held out his hands to her. As she looked up at him her facetook on an expression of perfect love and trust. Placing her hands inTom's, Grace rose to her feet. Their friends watched the pretty tableauwith affectionately smiling faces. Then the two young people faced theexpectant company.
"You know, all of you, what I am going to say, so you must know, too,how happy I am. Grace has promised to marry me." Tom's face was aglowwith happiness.
"My dear, dear child." Mrs. Gray rose, her arms extended to Grace. "Ihave hoped for this ever since you were graduated from high school."Grace embraced the old lady tenderly. Then her chums hemmed her in, andcongratulations began all over again.
"Talk about your surprises," beamed Reddy. "I hadn't any idea that Graceand Tom had fixed up this one. I can't tell you how glad I am, oldfellow." He shook Tom's hand vigorously. David and Hippy followed suit.The faces of the three young men fairly shone with joy. They had longunderstood the depth of Tom's dejection over Grace's
steadfast refusalto give up her work for his sake.
"We saved it as a special feature of the occasion," laughed Tom, "butI'll tell you three fellows a secret." He lowered his voice and thelaughter died out of his fine face, leaving it very serious. "I neverexpected this happiness was coming my way. Long ago I gave up all ideaof ever being anything but a friend to Grace. I can't understand how itall came about, and I suppose I never shall."
"Maybe we aren't tickled over your good fortune," said Hippy warmly."We've waited for this a long while. I always told Nora that it wouldhappen some day. I knew there was just one Tom Gray and that it wouldonly be a question of time until Grace found it out."
"No fair having secrets," called out Nora. "What and who are you boystalking about in such low, confidential voices?"
"Me," beamed Hippy. "Reddy was just telling me that he never fullyappreciated me until cruel distance separated us. Of course I can't helpfeeling touched. It is so seldom that Reddy appreciates anything or anyone. He is----"
The confidential group suddenly dissolved in a hurry. Reddy took hold ofHippy's arm and rushed him down the steps and around the corner of thehouse in an anything but gentle manner. "There," he declared, as hereturned to the porch alone. "That will teach him that he can't makepointed remarks about me. I guess he felt 'touched' that time."
"N-o-r-a," wailed a pathetic voice. "Come and get me. I want to sit onthe veranda, too."
"Promise you'll be nice to Reddy, or I won't come after you," stipulatedNora, making no effort to rise.
"I won't promise," came the defiant answer. "I don't like Reddy. He is ahard-hearted ruffian."
"Thank you," sang out Reddy. "Now come back if you dare."
"I don't want to come back. I'd rather walk around by myself in thegarden."
Nothing further was heard from Hippy for a time. Conversation on theveranda went on merrily. Apparently no one missed the stout young man.Suddenly a bland voice at Reddy's elbow said, "Why, good evening,Reddy." Hippy's fat face appeared between the lace curtains at the openparlor window. He beamed joyfully at the company, then favored Reddywith a smile so wide and ingratiating that the latter's fierceexpression changed to a reluctant grin. At this hopeful sign Hippyclambered through the window and crowded himself into the swing betweenJessica and Anne, who had resumed their seats there. They protestedvigorously, then made room for him.
After announcing their engagement and receiving the congratulations oftheir friends, Tom and Grace had seated themselves on a rustic bench alittle apart from the others. Grace's slim fingers lay within Tom'sstrong hand.
"Grace," he said, bending toward her so that he could look into hereyes, "are you perfectly sure that you love me? Are you quite content togive up your work? You don't think there will ever come a time when youwill be sorry that you chose me instead? It still seems like a dream tome. I can't believe that you and I are going to spend the rest of ourlives together. It's too much happiness. If you knew how blackeverything seemed that rainy day when you sent me out of your life----"
"Hush, you mustn't speak of it," Grace lightly laid the fingers of herfree hand against Tom's lips. "I did not know how wonderful your lovefor me was. It took sorrow and separation to make me see it. But I'm_sure_ now, Tom, perfectly sure. I used to think I could never give upbeing house mother at Harlowe House, but now I am entirely satisfied tohave Emma Dean take my place. She will do the work even better than I.Harlowe House can spare me, but Tom Gray can't, and I can't spare him.What you said to me so long ago came true, dear. When love came to me,not even work could crowd it out. I have found my fairy prince at last."
"Then the prince is going to claim the princess and bind her to himforever with a jeweled circle of gold," said Tom softly. His handreached into an inner pocket of his coat. Over Grace Harlowe's slenderfinger was slipped the magic circle of gold, a glittering pledge ofeternal devotion, and as she touched the jeweled token with her lips theknowledge came to her that though Loyalheart's pilgrimage in the Land ofCollege was ended, an infinitely more wonderful journey on the Highwayof Life was soon to begin.
How Grace Harlowe spent her last summer in her father's house beforestarting upon that journey, with Tom Gray as her life-long guide, willbe told in "Grace Harlowe's Golden Summer."
THE END
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3 THE SUBMARINE BOYS
AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail at Annapolis.
4 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks of the Deep.
5 THE SUBMARINE BOYS LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young Kings of the Deep.
6 THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or, Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam.
7 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS; Or, Breaking Up the New Jersey Customs Frauds.
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GRACE HARLOWE OVERSEAS SERIES
1 GRACE HARLOWE OVERSEAS.
2 GRACE HARLOWE WITH THE RED CROSS IN FRANCE.
3 GRACE HARLOWE WITH THE MARINES AT CHATEAU THIERRY.
4 GRACE HARLOWE WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN THE ARGONNE.
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THE COLLEGE GIRLS SERIES
By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.
1 GRACE HARLOWE'S FIRST YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.
2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SECOND YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.
3 GRACE HARLOWE'S THIRD YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.
4 GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.
5 GRACE HARLOWE'S RETURN TO OVERTON CAMPUS.
6 GRACE HARLOWE'S PROBLEM.
7 GRACE HARLOWE'S GOLDEN SUMMER.
All these books are bound in Cloth and will be sent postpaid on receiptof only $1.00 each.
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PONY RIDER BOYS SERIES
By FRANK GEE PATCHIN
These tales may be aptly described the best books for boys and girls.
1 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the Lost Claim.
2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the Plains.
3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer Trail.
4 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby Mountain.
5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI; Or, Finding a Key to the Desert Maze.
6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the Silver Trail.
7 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON; Or, The Mystery of Bright Angel Gulch.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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THE BOYS OF STEEL SERIES
By JAMES R. MEARS
Each book presents vivid picture of this great industry. Bach story isfull of adventure and fascination.
1 THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft.
2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the Diamond Drill Shift.
3 THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS: Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes.
4 THE IRON BOYS IN THE STEEL MILLS; Or, Beginning Anew in the Cinder Pits.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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THE MADGE MORTON BOOKS
By AMY D. V. CHALMERS
1 MADGE MORTON--CAPTAIN OF THE MERRY MAID.
2 MADGE MORTON'S SECRET.
3 MADGE MORTON'S TRUST.
4 MADGE MORTON'S VICTORY.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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WEST POINT SERIES
BY H. IRVING HANCOCK
The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young Americanswhose doings will inspire all boy readers.
1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the Cadet Gray.
2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life.
3 DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm for Flag and Honor.
4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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ANNAPOLIS SERIES
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted inthese volumes.
1 DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy.
2 DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy "Youngsters."
3 DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders of the Second Class Midshipmen.
4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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THE YOUNG ENGINEERS SERIES
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the HighSchool Boys Series. In this new series Tom Reade and HarryHazelton prove worthy of all the traditions of Dick & Co.
1 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; Or, At Railroad Building in Earnest.
2 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; Or, Laying Tracks on the "Man-Killer" Quicksand.
3 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA; Or, Seeking Fortune on the Turn of a Pick.
4 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO; Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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BOYS OF THE ARMY SERIES
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States Army ofto-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master pen.
1 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits in the United States Army.
2 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons.
3 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First Real Commands.
4 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES; Or, Following the Flag Against the Moros.
6 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS LIEUTENANTS; Or, Serving Old Glory as Line Officers.
7 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS WITH PERSHING; Or, Dick Prescott at Grips with the Boche.
8 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS SMASH THE GERMANS; Or, Winding Up the Great War.
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DAVE DARRIN SERIES
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
1 DAVE DARRIN AT VERA CRUZ; Or, Fighting With the U. S. Navy in Mexico.
2 DAVE DARRIN ON MEDITERRANEAN SERVICE.
3 DAVE DARRIN'S SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE.
4 DAVE DARRIN ON THE ASIATIC STATION.
5 DAVE DARRIN AND THE GERMAN SUBMARINES.
6 DAVE DARRIN AFTER THE MINE LAYERS; Or, Hitting the Enemy a Hard Naval Blow.
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THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS SERIES
By JANET ALDRIDGE
1 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS.
2 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY.
3 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT.
4 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN THE HILLS.
5 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS BY THE SEA.
6 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ON THE TENNIS COURTS.
All these books are bound in Cloth and will be sent postpaid on receiptof only. $1.00 each.
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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SERIES
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck. Boysof every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinatingvolumes.
1 THE-HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co.'s First Year Pranks and Sports.
2 THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond.
3 THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron.
4 THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SERIES
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar Schoolboys, comes near to the heart of the average American boy.
1 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving.
2 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; Or, Dick & Co. at Winter Sports.
3 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun and Knowledge.
4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' VACATION SERIES
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
"Give us more Dick Prescott books!"
This has been the burden of the cry from young readers of the countryover. Almost numberless letters have been received by the publishers,making this eager demand; for Dick Prescott, Dave Darrin, Tom Reade, andthe other members of Dick & Co. are the most popular high school boys inthe land. Boys will alternately thrill and chuckle when reading thesesplendid narratives.
1 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CANOE CLUB; Or, Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant.
2 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP; Or, The Dick Prescott Six Training for the Gridley Eleven.
3 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP; Or, Dick & Co. in the Wilderness.
4 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE; Or, Dick & Co. Making Themselves "Hard as Nails."
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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THE CIRCUS BOYS SERIES
By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON
Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intenselyinteresting and exciting life.
1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the Sawdust Life.
2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on the Tanbark.
3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny South.
4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show on the Big River.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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THE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SERIES
By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M.
These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the readerfairly by storm.
1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshman Girls.
2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics.
3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities.
4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the Ways.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00
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THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS SERIES
By LAURA DENT CRANE
No girl's library--no family book-case can be considered at all completeunless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books.
1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer Parade.
2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.
3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.
4 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out Against Heavy Odds.
5 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT PALM BEACH; Or, Proving Their Mettle Under Southern Skies.
6 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT WASHINGTON; Or, Checkmating the Plots of Foreign Spies.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, $1.00