8 The Acorn "Well, seeing I'm so preciously interested in this existing condition these very critical, extraordinary, existing conditions. I'll turn the whole affair over" Twenty sofa pillows were aimed at her "over in my mind." She closed her eyes and leaned back lazily. The pillows struck. "You unappreciative old old-" "No No" as the girls arose from their seats "you young angels I have it! I have it!" "Well, go ahead," yawned Glady Grey, "I can stand it if the rest can." "Put her to bed" ordered Glen Davis the President, "Babies are not allowed at this convention." "I'm awake," replied Gladys straightening up suddenly. "My plan is this: I am with you all, and I shall positively refuse to go Friday night, even, even if" "You are asked," finished Mabel. "Yes! now my plan Everyone of you no excuse due must be at my home next Friday, dressed for the Party, and each bring twenty five cents, the price of the dance. Furthermore: You must not even breathe it to a soul. Not one word, remember! Swear!" Instantly twenty hands were placed over as many hearts and twenty girls gave their word. "We must not talk; we must not tell; we must not lose or break this oath." "Now ask no questions I'll tell you the rest on Friday." Curiosity was almost too great to conceal, but the promise had been made and must be kept. II "How pretty the decorations are, Hal," said Jim Parker, "That 'Old Twenty One Ciub' certainly has good taste." "And the refreshments fairly make my mouth water. Urn, I can almost taste them now." said Hal. "And see little 'Miss Brownie' too, serving them, I dare say" put in Roy Jenson. "Oh Glen Davis' eyes are not so very brown. No more than Amy Carey's are blue." "Say, has anything struck you fellows that the existing conditions are rather queer?" asked Bob Clayton who had been listening to the others. "Queer? how?" asked Procy Whitely. "Look around and see," answered Bob. "Why there isn't a girl in sight!" exclaimed the boys in a breathe. "Just look at that row of fellows," laughed Ben Grey. "Did you ever see such glum looking chaps?" The music began. Not a girl appeared. On each side of the hall sat a row of young men very "straight backed" and perfectly erect. The musicians were all oblivion. Dance after dance was played out and sat out. It was certainly very embarrasing. About 9:30 three couples came. Every eye in those two rows was focused on them, especially on the girls. Ten o'clock came. Three more couples had arrived. There were upwards of 50 young men and 6 young women. An average of 1 dance apiece for the young men and every number for each young lady. Six couples to a dance and the time half over. Exasperating wasn't it? A few dances were danced out and sat out. Then a change was made. "We'll have to have shorter dances," Bob explained to the musicians. "Or let each girl dance with two fellows to one dance," put in Percy. "Better take the latter suggestion," answered the violinist and he proceeded to rake off another two-step. "Give us noodles" almost shrieked Roy. The first chords were struck. "Everybody on the floor" called the manager. "Half of you must be ladies." Then as they hesitated he proceeded to pick out their feminine qualities with "This curly headed one," "this rosy cheeked sissy," "this golden haired" etc.: When they were arranged he proceeded to call the dance. The musicians, perhaps, were unconscious of the fact, but they played for a good twenty minutes. What a twist up there was! After that each girl had two partners for every dance. "Well, it looks as though if we do any more dancing, Jim we'll have to one of The Acorn 9 us play the lady what do you say? asked Hal. "Come on," replied Jim. They took the floor, others followed suit. Why did the young lady at the piano laugh? Look at the picture. Could she help it? Or could you? The last chords of "Home Sweet Home" died away. The musicians turned around. The hall was empty. III What was Old Twenty One doing? Margie met every member at the door a little before or after 7:30. By her side stood her two little sisters, who received each girl's wrap while she was led by Margie to the large front parlor. "Make yourselves at ease, girls" she replied and when all had arrived, "now we will have our own kind of Leap Year Party." They played games; told riddles, ghost stories; discussed the possible outcome of the Party at the Ward; and listened attentively to the strains of a waltz while Margie led the way through the back parlor and thence to the library. At the library door stood the little girls who distributed dainty little programs among the girls. "Now, girls, for our Leap Year Party!" How they danced. The little orchestra in the back parlor did its best. At eleven thirty the music ceased for, as Margie explained, "We are to keep this entirely a secret." Then she ushered them into a