Miss Teddington, though it was she who had asked Mrs.Arnold to institute and take charge of the meetings, had the discretion to keep out of the League herself, realizing that the presence of teachers might be a restraint, and that the management was better left in the hands of a trustworthy outsider.
To become an authorized Camp-fire member was an ambition with most of the girls, and spurred many on to greater efforts than they would otherwise have attempted.

All looked forward to the meetings, and there could be no greater punishment for certain offences than a temporary withdrawal of League privileges.
This September, after the long summer holiday, the reunion seemed of even more than ordinary importance.
The sun had set, the last gleam of the afterglow had faded, and the glade had grown full of dim shadows by the time everybody was present in the grove.

The gentle rustle of the leafy boughs overhead, and the persistent tumbling rush of the stream, seemed like a faint orchestral accompaniment of Nature for the ceremonial.
"Is it a Quakers' Meeting or a Freemasons' Lodge?
You're all very mum," asked Rona, whom curiosity had led out with the others.
"Sh-sh! We're waiting for our 'Guardian of the Fire'," returned Ulyth, trying to suppress the loudness of the high-pitched voice.

"Mrs.
Arnold's generally very punctual.

Oh, there! I believe I hear her ringing her bicycle bell now.