CHAPTER VI.
THE SOPHOMORE BALL There was an undercurrent of excitement in the air on the day of the sophomore ball.
The sophomores themselves were full of secrets, whispering around in groups, their faces grave with self-important expressions.

This was to be their annual Initiation Ball, and many new members, after receiving initiation into the various sophomore societies, were to be invited to the gymnasium, which had been turned over to the class for the evening.
There was no end to the fun of these balls, according to feminine gossip, for no male was ever admitted and only three invitations were issued to girls of other classes.

It was, in fact, to be nothing but fun and frolic, and every costume had been planned weeks ahead.
One teacher was asked to be present to keep order in case of intrusion, for the gymnasium door, on that famous night, was always besieged by youths from the Boys' High School, who roared and jeered as each cloaked and masked figure rushed under the archway and disappeared.
The freshmen, all through the day, were unusually quiet.

They kept to themselves and had little to say.

Miriam and her three particular friends were carefully avoided by their classmates.