"
It was a beautiful day in June and the ride to the woods was perfumed
with that rare and wonderful incense--vapory sweetness of flowers warmed
by the soft sunshine of early summer.
Blossoms brushed the faces of our friends as the picnic wagons rumbled
on and many a wreath of "laurel" was pressed to the brow of fair
graduates as the maple leaves in the hands of willing weavers, were made
into crowns for the "grads."
A secret was plainly lurking in the eyes of Alice MacAllister. Dorothy
had remarked that girls, alone, would probably be lost in the great,
dark picnic place, for the pine trees grew so close there, the grounds
were often called "Twilight Grove"; but Alice only smiled broadly and
replied:
"You just wait--the woods may be enchanted."
"Splendid idea," declared Tavia, "I do need so much a little Brownie or
a goblin to help me with my housework. Fancy going home with a dear
little Jackanapes to carry my 'dinner pail'!" and at this suggestion
every one seemed to enjoy the grotesque idea that Tavia had outlined.
The grove was finally reached, and the happy picnic party lost no time
in leaving the wagons, and making for the "best spots."
But no sooner had they entered the great tall gateway than they were set
upon by a tribe of very lively goblins, for, from behind tree and bush
there darted upon the unsuspecting girls a rollicking, frolicking band
of boys--the boys' school having come to the grove to surprise the
girls, and help them enjoy the breaking up picnic.
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