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a final bow from the cast, the curtain closed, and the applause died away.
    Mr. Chadwick got quickly to his feet and tapped a fork on his glass for attention. “Young ladies,” he began, “we are very honored that one of your group could participate in our play. A young lady playing a woman is certainly better than having one of our boys do so, and we thank you.” He fidgeted with his lapel. “This was, however, a complete surprise to me and evidently to your headmistress. I am sure it will be interesting to learn how it all came about. We thank you for coming tonight. It was indeed an honor to have all of you visit us. We wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We will see you next year.”
    After another round of applause, the group broke up as Miss Hope and Miss Prudence rounded up their students for the journey back to their own school.
    When the maids brought the girls’ wraps back into the room, Tommy helped Mandie into her coat.
    Mandie smiled up at him. “Thanks for the sand dollar, Tommy,” she said. “I’ll wear it for Christmas Day.”
    â€œAnd I thank you for the beautiful handkerchiefs,” Tommy replied. “I’ll see you after the holidays.”
    The girls piled into the waiting rigs and returned to their school. Holiday spirit filled the air.
    Back at school, as the girls unloaded, Mandie and Celia watched for April Snow. But she was not in any of the rigs. Neither was Miss Prudence.
    All the girls wanted to linger downstairs to see what happened when Miss Prudence and April returned. But Miss Hope gently urged them upstairs to their rooms.
    â€œI’m sure you young ladies are all tired,” she said. “But don’t forget, you must get busy packing if you haven’t already done so because you may leave just as soon as someone comes for you in the morning. So I would strongly urge you to go upstairs and prepare for your journey home tomorrow.”
    That was all the girls needed. They quickly hurried upstairs to their rooms.
    â€œAmanda,” Miss Hope called to Mandie when she was halfway up the first flight of stairs. “I’m sorry, dear, I almost forgot to tell you. Your grandmother sent word here while we were gone. Uncle Cal says she and Hilda will pick you up in the morning in time to catch the train for home.”
    Mandie grinned. “Thanks, Miss Hope. I’ll be ready.”
    Celia smiled when she heard the news. “Hilda must really be feeling better if she’s well enough to travel,” she said.
    They continued up the stairs to their room. “Yes, thank the Lord,” Mandie replied. “So Mother and Uncle John won’t be coming after me.” She shrugged. “Oh, well, I’m glad Hilda is better, and I’m glad Grandmother is going home with me.”
    When they reached their room Mandie opened the door. Snowball was curled up asleep in the middle of the bed again, and he opened one eye to look at his mistress.
    Mandie laughed. “Snowball, you lazy thing,” she said, stroking his soft white fur. “You should be catching that mouse instead of sleeping all the time when we go out.”
    â€œThat mouse must not be in our room any longer,” Celia reasoned. “Otherwise Snowball would have found it by now.”
    â€œDon’t worry. If it’s gone, April will just find another one to put in here while we’ve gone home,” Mandie said. “That is, unless Miss Prudence expels her or something for being in that play tonight.”
    â€œI imagine there will be some pretty bad punishment,” Celia agreed.
    â€œWell, let’s get packing,” Mandie said, throwing off her hat and gloves. “Just think. This time tomorrow I’ll be home, and I’ll know what that big surprise is that my mother has for me.”

CHAPTER FOUR
    HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
    Celia and Mandie waited with their luggage downstairs in the alcove near the