TARNISHED LAURELS In the intervals of harkening to my growing-pains I was, of course, still a little girl.

As a little girl, in many ways immature for my age, I finished my course in the grammar school, and was graduated with honors, four years after my landing in Boston.
Wheeler Street recognizes five great events in a girl's life: namely, christening, confirmation, graduation, marriage, and burial.

These occasions all require full dress for the heroine, and full dress is forthcoming, no matter if the family goes into debt for it.

There was not a girl who came to school in rags all the year round that did not burst forth in sudden glory on Graduation Day.

Fine muslin frocks, lace-trimmed petticoats, patent-leather shoes, perishable hats, gloves, parasols, fans--every girl had them.