But one afternoon the six girls, headed by Grace, waylaid her as she was leaving the school and after much coaxing Marian allowed herself to be brought to a more reasonable frame of mind.
Then Grace, who honestly regretted having hurt Marian's feelings, had made an extra effort to treat Mr.Hammond cordially when they chanced to meet, and her friends had followed her example.
In spite of their feeling of dislike for him, they were forced to acknowledge that he seemed well-bred, was a young man of apparently good habits and that Oakdale people were rapidly taking him up.

Grace privately thought Marian entirely too young to receive the attentions of a man so much older than herself, but Marian's father and mother permitted it, therefore Grace felt that she had no right to judge or object.
The longest journey seems brief when beguiled by gay companions, and the time slipped by like magic.

It was with genuine surprise that the little party heard their station called.

There was a great scurrying about for their various belongings, and well laden with suit cases and traveling bags the party hustled out of the train and were met on the platform by the judge's chauffeur, who conducted them to two waiting automobiles.
Off they whirled and in an incredibly short time the two machines drew up before the judge's stately home, where lights gleamed from every window.

The guests alighted with much laughter and noise, and in a twinkling the massive front door opened and Judge Putnam appeared.
"Welcome, welcome!" he cried.