A sign on the tent belonging to the self-appointed city physician read simply, "The doctor is out."

But for some, yesterday's exit represented a homecoming.

As the protesters celebrated their exit, Mass. Hall staff held their clasped hands high and danced up the steps and back into their building.

Inside, the secretaries sipped champagne and opened windows to air out the building. Staff and police began pulling down the sun-bleached signs lining the Mass. Hall windows.

"We're glad the next phase is starting, said Beverly Sullivan, President Neil L. Rudenstine's administrative assistant.

One staff member raised his cup of champagne high, and toasted "To young America!"

--Staff writer Garrett M. Graff contributed to the reporting of this story.

--Staff writer Daniela J. Lamas can be reached at lamas@fas.harvard.edu.