Marian Barber and Eva Allen were to enter Smith College the following week, Eleanor Savelli had long since sailed for Italy, and now the morning train was to bear Miriam Nesbit, Grace Harlowe and Anne Pierson to Overton, an eastern college finally decided upon by the three girls.
"Last year we left you on the station platform gazing mournfully after the train that bore _me_ away from Oakdale," remarked Hippy reminiscently.

"How embarrassed I felt at so much attention, and yet how sweet it was to know that you had gathered here, not to see David Nesbit, Reddy Brooks, Tom Gray or any such insignificant persons off to school, but that I, Theophilus Hippopotamus Wingate, was the object of your tender solicitations." "I expected it," groaned David.

"I don't see why we ever woke him up and dragged him along." "As I was about to say when rudely interrupted," continued Hippy calmly, "I shall miss you, of course, but not half so much as you will miss me.
I hope you will think of me, and you may write to me occasionally if it will be a satisfaction to you.

I know you will not forget me.

Who, having once met me, could forget ?" Hippy folded his arms across his chest and looked languishingly at the three girls.
A chorus of giggles from those grouped around the girls and derisive groans from the boys greeted Hippy's sentimental speech.
Suddenly a long, shrill whistle was heard.
"That's your train, girls," said Mr.Harlowe, who with Mrs.Harlowe, Mrs.Nesbit and Mary Pierson had drawn a little to one side while their dear ones said their last farewells to their four boy friends.