238 SCHOOL FESTIVITIES.

between Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Barry, and Miss Mill. Un-
like in many things, they were united in the love of
knowledge and in true religion. Their plans were often
concerted together, and this occurred in respect to the
examination festivities which were approaching, and
which it fell to Mrs. Barry to provide for.

Examinations are often hollow and unprofitable. At
Ashdell it was determined to turn them to account.
Two ends were held in view, first, to give a fair account
of what the school had accomplished in the way of
teaching and learning ; and, secondly, to afford a grand
entertainment to the boys and their friends. A plea-
sant season of the year was chosen. Preparations were
elaborately made, not only in the school, but out of it.
The ladies had to prepare accommodations and refresh-
ments for numerous guests, including the parents of
the pupils. It was a time of high enjoyment, and the
little exhibition of declamations and dialogues on the
evening of the closing day was the grandest time of
all, when the boys were at the top of their glee, in their
best clothes and most shining faces, while mothers and
sisters were looking on and listening with indescribable
anxiety.

Matilda Mill assumed under Mrs. Barry the charge |
of the minor arrangements. She selected the music
and drew up the programmes, and decorated the school-
room with green branches and flowers, It was she
who gathered those stores of apples, pears, peaches,