The Misses Cabot's school was to open on the fifteenth of September and, on the morning of the fourteenth, Mary-'Gusta bade her guardians good-by on the platform of the South Harniss railway station.

Shadrach had intended going to Boston with her, but she had firmly insisted on going alone.
"I must get used to being away from you both," she said, "and you must get used to having me go.

It will be best for all of us to say good-by here.

It won't be for VERY long; I'll be home at Christmas, you know." The three weeks prior to the fateful fourteenth had been crowded with activities.

Twice the girl and Captain Shadrach had journeyed to Boston, where in company with Mrs.Wyeth, whose services had been volunteered in a crisp but kindly note, they visited shops and selected and purchased--that is, the feminine members of the party selected and the Captain paid for--a suit and waists and hats and other things which it appeared were necessary for the wardrobe of a young lady at finishing school.