Repressing her first gasp, however, Irene bore the vision with remarkable equanimity, and advancing towards the dread figures waited obediently until she was addressed.

Evidently she had done the right thing, for the spokeswoman, clearing her throat, began in impressive accents: "Sister Irene Beverley, you are admitted here to-night to be made a member of our Sorority.

Are you willing to join and to take the pledges ?" "Yes, thanks, but please what's a sorority ?" ventured Irene meekly.
Two or three distinct snickers were heard from underneath the black masks, but a voice murmured, "Order!" and the sounds promptly ceased.
"A sorority is a secret sisterhood," explained the President, "just the same as a fraternity is a brotherhood.

We call ourselves 'The Camellia Buds,' and we're members of the Transition who have banded ourselves together for the purposes of mutual protection.

It's a great honor to be elected.