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diff --git a/7479-h/7479-h.htm b/7479-h/7479-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..069bf8d --- /dev/null +++ b/7479-h/7479-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5650 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dorothy Dainty at Glenmore, by Amy Brooks</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1.25em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + p.noindent {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 0em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + .unindent {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + img {border: 0;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + .right {text-align: right;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + hr.full { width: 100%; } + pre {font-size: 75%;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Dorothy Dainty at Glenmore, by Amy Brooks, +Illustrated by Amy Brooks</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p class="noindent">Title: Dorothy Dainty at Glenmore</p> +<p class="noindent">Author: Amy Brooks</p> +<p class="noindent">Release Date: February, 2005 [EBook #7479]<br /> +[This file was first posted on May 8, 2003]<br /> +[Most recently updated and HTML version added: February 4, 2006]</p> +<p class="noindent">Language: English</p> +<p class="noindent">Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p class="noindent">***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOROTHY DAINTY AT GLENMORE***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Charles Franks<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (http://www.pgdp.net/)<br /> + and revised by Jason Isbell and Emmy<br /> + <br /> + HTML version prepared by Jason Isbell and Emmy</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + + + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="./images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover" title="Cover" /></div> + + + + + +<h1>DOROTHY DAINTY</h1> + +<h1>AT GLENMORE</h1> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>AMY BROOKS</h2> + + +<div class='center'><i>WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR</i></div> + +<div class="figcenter"><a href="./images/title.png"><img src="./images/title-tb.png" alt="Emblem" title="Emblem" /></a></div> + + +<div class='center'><br /><br />BOSTON</div> + +<div class='center'>LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO. </div> + + +<hr style="width: 25%;" /> + + +<div class="center">DOROTHY DAINTY<br /> +Trade-Mark<br /> +Registered in U.S. Patent Office</div> + + +<div class="center">Published, August, 1917<br /> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1917, By Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co.</span></div> + +<div class="center"><br /><br /><i>All rights reserved</i><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="center">DOROTHY DAINTY AT GLENMORE<br /><br /></div> + +<div class="center">Norwood Press<br /> +BERWICK & SMITH CO.<br /> +NORWOOD, MASS.<br /> +U.S.A.<br /> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + +<div class="figcenter"><a name="frontis" id="frontis"></a><img src="./images/plate01.jpg" alt=""A letter from Vera!" answered Dorothy." title=""A letter from Vera!" answered Dorothy." /></div> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">"A letter from Vera!" answered Dorothy.</span>—<a href='#Page_3'><i>Page 3.</i></a></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>Popular Stories.</h2> + +<h3><span class="smcap">By AMY BROOKS.</span></h3> + +<div class='center'>Each illustrated by the Author.</div> + +<h3>THE RANDY BOOKS.</h3> + +<div class='center'>12mo. Cloth. Cover Designs by the Author. <i>Net</i> $1.00 each</div> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Randy Books"> +<tr><td align='left'>RANDY'S SUMMER.</td><td align='left'>RANDY'S GOOD TIMES.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>RANDY'S WINTER.</td><td align='left'>RANDY'S LUCK.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>RANDY AND HER FRIENDS. </td><td align='left'>RANDY'S LOYALTY.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>RANDY AND PRUE.</td><td align='left'>RANDY'S PRINCE.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + + +<h2>For Younger Readers.</h2> + +<h3>DOROTHY DAINTY SERIES.</h3> + +<div class='center'>Large 12mo. Cloth. Cover Designs by the Author. Set in large English<br /> +type. Price, <i>net</i>, $1.00 each.</div> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Dorothy Dainty Books"> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY'S PLAYMATES.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY AT SCHOOL.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY AT THE SHORE.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY IN THE CITY.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY AT HOME.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY'S GAY TIMES.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY IN THE COUNTRY.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY'S WINTER.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY AT THE MOUNTAINS.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY'S HOLIDAYS.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY'S VACATION.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY'S VISIT.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY AT CRESTVILLE.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY'S NEW FRIENDS.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>DOROTHY DAINTY AT GLENMORE.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<h3>THE PRUE BOOKS.</h3> + +<div class='center'>12mo. Cloth. Cover Designs by the Author. <i>Net</i> $1.00 each.</div> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Prue Books"> +<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE SISTER PRUE.</td><td align='left'>PRUE'S MERRY TIMES.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>PRUE AT SCHOOL.</td><td align='left'>PRUE'S LITTLE FRIENDS.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>PRUE'S PLAYMATES. </td><td align='left'>PRUE'S JOLLY WINTER.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>A JOLLY CAT TALE. Large 12mo. Cloth. Profusely Illustrated.<br /> + +Price <i>Net</i> $1.00</div> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='left'>CHAPTER</td><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>I</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Off to Glenmore</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>II</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The First Social</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_18'>18</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>III</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Mischief</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_40'>40</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IV</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Wonderful Tonic</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_61'>61</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>V</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Sleighing Party</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_82'>82</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VI</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Lost Necklace</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">When Nancy Danced</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_122'>122</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VIII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Bit of Spite</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_138'>138</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IX</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Wishing-Well</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_157'>157</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>X</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Lively Week</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_181'>181</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XI</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">An Innocent Sneak-Thief</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_202'>202</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Glad Return</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_219'>219</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations"> +<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='center'><span class="smcap">facing</span><br /><span class="smcap">page</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>"A letter from Vera!" answered Dorothy (Page <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>) </td><td align='right'><a href='#frontis'><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>She wished that she might know what they were saying</td><td align='right'><a href='#wish'>32</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>"Oh, what a fright!" she cried</td><td align='right'><a href='#fright'>74</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>"This necklace is mine!" returned the accused girl excitedly</td><td align='right'><a href='#necklace'>112</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>At the end of the wall Betty and Valerie waited</td><td align='right'><a href='#wall'>150</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Drawing closer, Nancy whispered a rare bit of news</td><td align='right'><a href='#drawing'>186</a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>DOROTHY DAINTY AT GLENMORE</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>OFF TO GLENMORE</h3> + + +<p>The Stone House looked as fine, and its gardens as gay with flowers, as +when the members of the household were to be at home for a season, for +it always seemed at those times as if the blossoming plants did their +best, because sure of loving admiration.</p> + +<p>But something entirely new was about to happen; something that made +Dorothy Dainty catch her breath, while her dearest friend, Nancy Ferris, +declared that she was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>wildly happy, except that the whole thing seemed +so like a dream that she could hardly believe it.</p> + +<p>"That's just it, Nancy," said Dorothy. "It surely does seem like a +dream."</p> + +<p>Yet it was true, and not a dream that Mr. Dainty was to be away from +home for some months, that Mrs. Dainty was to accompany him, and that +Aunt Charlotte would be with them, and that Dorothy and Nancy were to +spend those months at a fine school for girls, and Vera Vane, merry, +mischief-loving Vera, would be eagerly looking for them on the day of +their arrival. One would almost wonder that the thought of being away at +school should appeal to Dorothy and Nancy, but it was the novelty that +charmed them.</p> + +<p>It was always delightful at the Stone House, and there had been summer +seasons at shore and country that they had greatly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>enjoyed, but here +was a new experience, and the "newness" was delightful.</p> + +<p>A letter from Vera had just arrived, and Dorothy, out in the garden when +the postman had handed it to her, stood reading it.</p> + +<p>"Her letters are just like herself," she whispered.</p> + +<p>She looked up. Nancy was calling to her.</p> + +<p>"A letter from Vera!" answered Dorothy.</p> + +<p>"We shall have to hurry a bit," Nancy said, "James is strapping the two +trunks, the suit-cases are out in the hall, and we must be ready in +twenty minutes."</p> + +<p>"All right!" cried Dorothy. "Give me your hand and we'll run to the +house."</p> + +<p>She tucked the letter into the front of her blouse, and then promptly +forgot all about it.</p> + +<p>The "twenty minutes" sped on wings, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>when at last Dorothy and Nancy +sat side by side in the car, their trunks checked, their suit-cases, and +umbrellas on the seat that had been turned over for them, they turned, +each to look into the other's eyes.</p> + +<p>Dorothy's lip quivered, but she spoke bravely.</p> + +<p>"It is hard, this first trip away from home without mother or Aunt +Charlotte with us," she said. Then quickly she added:</p> + +<p>"But it will be fine when we get used to being away from home."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, it will be <i>fine!</i>" Nancy said in a firm voice, but she looked +down, lest her eyes show a suspicious moisture.</p> + +<p>As the journey progressed, their spirits rose. After all, it was not +really "good-by," yet.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dainty had postponed the actual "good-by" until a week after +Dorothy and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> Nancy should have begun the school year at Glenmore.</p> + +<p>She knew that Vera Vane was a host in herself, her friend and chum, +Elfreda was nearly her equal in active wit, and high spirits, and at +least a few of the other pupils would have already formed a speaking +acquaintance with the two new girls.</p> + +<p>The girls would have been assigned places in the classes for which they +were fitted, and thus the school work would be planned, and their time +closely occupied.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dainty and Aunt Charlotte were also eager to know if the two who +were so dear to them were comfortable, satisfied with their +surroundings, and looking forward to a pleasant school year. Until thus +assured, they could not set out on the journey, for the trip had been +planned as a means of rest and recuperation for Mrs. Dainty. How <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>could +she rest, or enjoy the trip unless she were sure that Dorothy was +absolutely content and happy? If Dorothy were happy, Nancy was sure to +be, because the two were inseparable, and their tastes nearly identical.</p> + +<p>The two girls were a bit tired of looking from the window at the flying +scenery, and Nancy expressed the wish that they had brought something +with them to read.</p> + +<p>"I did," Dorothy said, with a laugh, and she drew Vera's letter from her +blouse.</p> + +<p>She read it aloud, while Nancy leaned against her shoulder, enjoying it +with her.</p> + +<p>"I wish you had come the first day that school opened, but I'll be on +the lookout for you and Nancy. My! But we'll have fun and a plenty of it +this year at Glenmore," she concluded, signed her name, and then added a +postscript.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Patricia, and Arabella are here, both—no, +<i>each</i>—oh, which <i>should</i> I say? Anyway, they're +acting just outrageous, and already they've earned +the name that the girls have given them. They call +them 'The Freaks,' and truly the name fits. They +speak of Patricia as 'the one with the queer +clothes,' and of Arabella as 'the medicine-chest.'</p> + +<p>"She's taking more pills, I do believe, than she +ever did at home, and she wants folks to notice +that.</p> + +<p>"The idea! I'm glad there are two <i>nice</i> girls +coming from Merrivale, although you'd never think +Patricia ever <i>saw</i> the place, for she talks of +nothing but 'N'York.' My brother Bob always laughs +about my long postscripts. It's lucky he can't see +this one! </p></div> + +<div class='right'> +<span style="margin-right: 16em;">"Lovingly,</span><br /><br /> +"<span class="smcap">Vera</span><span style="margin-right: 8em;">."</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>Dorothy folded the letter, again placing it in her blouse, and then for +a time they watched the passengers.</p> + +<p>Opposite them was a big woman, who possessed three bird-cages, two +holding birds, and the third imprisoning a kitten.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> + +<p>There was a lean man with a fat little girl beside him, who ate +countless lunches, which were packed in a big basket, that seemed a +veritable horn of plenty.</p> + +<p>Yet a bit farther up the aisle was a small boy with a large cage that he +watched closely.</p> + +<p>A thick cloth covered it, but once, when the boy was not looking, a long +brown furry arm reached out, and snatched mischievously at his sleeve.</p> + +<p>"It's a monkey," whispered Nancy, and the boy turned and grinned.</p> + +<p>"'F <i>he</i> knew there was a monkey in that cage he'd make me put it in the +baggage car," he said.</p> + +<p>Dorothy was tired with the long ride, and just as she was thinking that +she could not bear much more of it, the brakeman shouted, "Glenmore! +Glenmore!" and the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>two girls were glad enough to get out upon the +platform.</p> + +<p>Glenmore, the village, was a lovely little country place, quiet, and +evidently content with itself.</p> + +<p>Glenmore, the school, was a rambling, picturesque home for the pupils +who came there.</p> + +<p>Once it had been a private mansion, but its interior had been remodeled +to meet the requirements of a small, and select school for girls.</p> + +<p>A bit old-fashioned in that it was more genuinely homelike than other +private schools, it held itself proudly aloof from neighboring +buildings.</p> + +<p>It claimed that its home atmosphere was the only old-fashioned thing +about it, and that was not an idle boast, for the old house had been +equipped with every modern con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>venience. Its instructors were the best +that a generous salary could tempt to Glenmore, and Mrs. Marvin, owner, +promoter, and manager of the school, was an exceedingly clever woman for +the position.</p> + +<p>As assistant, Miss Fenler, small, and wiry, did all that was required of +her, and more. She had never been appointed as a monitor, but she chose +to do considerable spying, so that the pupils had come to speak of her +as the "detective."</p> + +<p>One of her many duties was to see that the carryall was at the station +when new pupils were to arrive.</p> + +<p>Accordingly when Dorothy and Nancy left the train, and found themselves +on the platform, Miss Fenler was looking for them, and she stowed them +away in the carryall much as if they had been only ordinary baggage.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then, seating herself beside the driver, she ordered him to return.</p> + +<p>"Home," she said, and "home" they were driven, for "home" meant Glenmore +to the colored man, who considered himself a prominent official of the +school.</p> + +<p>Classes were in session when they reached Glenmore, so Miss Fenler went +with them to the pretty room that was to be theirs, a maid following +with suit-cases, the colored man bringing up the rear with one trunk, +and a promise to return on the next trip with the other.</p> + +<p>A class-room door, half open, allowed a glimpse of the new arrivals.</p> + +<p>"See the procession with the 'Fender' ahead," whispered a saucy miss.</p> + +<p>"Her name's 'Fenler,'" corrected her chum.</p> + +<p>"I know that, but I choose to call her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> 'Fender,' because she's like +those they have on engines to scoop up any one who is on the tracks. +She's just been down to the station to 'scoop' two new pupils, and I +guess—"</p> + +<p>A tap of a ruler left the sentence unfinished.</p> + +<p>Arabella Correyville, without an idea as to what was whispered, had seen +the broad smile, and had heard the giggle.</p> + +<p>"Who was out there?" she wrote on a bit of paper, and cautiously passed +it to Patricia Levine.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I didn't see them, but they must be <i>swell</i>. They had +ever so much luggage." That was just like Patricia. She judged every one +thus.</p> + +<p>That a girl could be every inch a lady, and at the same time, possess a +small, well chosen wardrobe was past understanding; but any girl, +however coarse in appearance and man<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>ner, could, with a display of many +gaudy costumes, convince Patricia that she was a young person of great +importance.</p> + +<p>Miss Fenler talked with them for a few moments, and then left them to +unpack their belongings, saying that later, when they felt rested, they +might come down to the reception hall and meet some of the girls who +would be their classmates during the year.</p> + +<p>It was the custom, she said, for the pupils to meet for a social +half-hour before dinner, to talk over the happenings of the day, their +triumphs or failures in class-room, or at sports, or to tell what had +interested those who had been out for a tramp.</p> + +<p>There had been an afternoon session that day for the purpose of choosing +from the list of non-compulsory studies.</p> + +<p>"Usually," Miss Fenler explained, "the classes meet for recitations in +the forenoon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>only, the afternoons being reserved for study, and when +lessons were prepared, for recreation."</p> + +<p>Miss Fenler left them, closing the door softly behind her.</p> + +<p>Dorothy turned to look at Nancy.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of her?" Nancy said, asking the question that she +knew was puzzling Dorothy.</p> + +<p>After a second's thought Dorothy said:</p> + +<p>"We shall get on with her, I believe, but I can't think Arabella or +Patricia would be very comfortable here. Really, they will be obliged to +study here, and Arabella won't want to, and I don't think Patricia +could. If they don't study, how can they remain?"</p> + +<p>Nancy laughed outright.</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about those two funny girls," she said, "for if they +<i>won't</i> study, or <i>can't</i> study, and so are not allowed to re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>main, +you'll be just as happy, Dorothy dear, and for that matter, so will +they."</p> + +<p>Later, when together they descended the quaint stairway, they found the +ever-present Miss Fenler, waiting to present them.</p> + +<p>Vera Vane, and Elfreda Carleton, each with an arm about the other's +waist, hastened forward to greet them.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we're so glad you and Nancy have—"</p> + +<p>"Just a moment Miss Vane, until you have been properly presented," Miss +Fenler said, in a cold, precise manner.</p> + +<p>"But I've always known Dorothy—"</p> + +<p>"That makes no difference," the assistant said, and she presented them +in formal manner.</p> + +<p>Vera raised her eyebrows, presented the tips of her fingers, and told +Dorothy in a high, squeaky voice that she was <i>very</i> glad <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>to know her. +Elf did the same in an exact copy of Vera's manner.</p> + +<p>Several of the pupils giggled, but to their credit, Dorothy and Nancy +managed not to laugh.</p> + +<p>When a half-dozen girls had been presented, some one told Miss Fenler +that Mrs. Marvin wished to see her, and what had begun in a stilted +manner, became a genuine girl's social.</p> + +<p>When the clock in the hall chimed six, and they turned toward the long +dining-room, the two new pupils had already made the acquaintance of +several girls, who sat beside, and opposite them at the table.</p> + +<p>From a distant table Patricia and Arabella were turning to attract their +attention.</p> + +<p>It had happened that Arabella had chosen to remain in her room during +the half-hour reunion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't feel like talking to a crowd of girls to-night," she had said.</p> + +<p>"My! If you don't care to talk to girls, it must be you'd rather talk to +boys!" Patricia said, laughing.</p> + +<p>"I would <i>not!</i>" Arabella remarked, with a flash in her eyes that one +rarely saw.</p> + +<p>"Oh, <i>do</i> excuse me!" Patricia said, "but that's all right, for I'll +stay right here and talk to you."</p> + +<p>Arabella was not in much of a mood for listening, either, but she +thought it best not to say so. At any other time, Arabella would have +listened for hours to whatever Patricia might care to say, but to-night +she was in a contrary mood.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>THE FIRST SOCIAL</h3> + + +<p>Two weeks at Glenmore, and Dorothy and Nancy were content. Letters from +Mrs. Dainty and Aunt Charlotte assured them that the dear travelers were +well, and that already Mrs. Dainty was feeling the benefit of the change +of scene.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dainty had engaged a large, front room at Glenmore for the two +girls to enjoy as a sitting-room and study, from which led a tastefully +furnished chamber, and already they called it their "school home."</p> + +<p>Patricia and Arabella had a fair-sized room farther down the corridor. +Vera Vane and Elfreda Carleton were snugly set<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>tled in cozy quarters a +few doors beyond the one that bore Dorothy's and Nancy's names. Patricia +Levine had ordered a large card, elaborately lettered in red and green, +announcing that:</p> + +<div class='bbox'><div class="center"><span class="smcap">This Suite is Occupied</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">by</span><br /> +MISS P. LEVINE<br /> +AND<br /> +MISS A. CORREYVILLE</div></div> + +<p>A small card was all that was necessary, indeed only a small card was +permitted, but Patricia did not know that. After her usual manner of +doing things, she had ordered a veritable placard of the village sign +painter, and when she had tacked it upon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>the door, it fairly <i>shouted</i>, +in red and green ink.</p> + +<p>"There!" she exclaimed, "I guess when the other girls see that, they'll +think the two who have this room are pretty swell."</p> + +<p>"Isn't it,—rather—loud?" ventured Arabella timidly.</p> + +<p>Patricia's eyes blazed.</p> + +<p>"<i>Loud?</i>" she cried. "Well, what do you want? A card that will whisper?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe it's all right," Arabella said quickly, to which Patricia +responded:</p> + +<p>"Of course it's all right. It's more than all right! It's very el'gant!"</p> + +<p>Arabella was no match for her room-mate, and whenever a question arose +regarding any matter of mutual interest, it was always Patricia who +settled it, and Arabella who meekly agreed that she was probably right.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p>Arabella was not gentle, indeed she possessed a decidedly contrary +streak, but she always feared offending Patricia, because Patricia could +be very disagreeable when opposed.</p> + +<p>Patricia was still admiring the gaudy lettering when a door at the far +end of the corridor opened.</p> + +<p>She sprang back into her room, closed the door and standing close to it +waited to hear if the big card provoked admiring comment.</p> + +<p>Nearer came the footsteps.</p> + +<p>Could they pass without seeing it? They paused—then:</p> + +<p>"Well, just look at that!"</p> + +<p>"A regular sign-board!"</p> + +<p>A few moments the two outside the door stood whispering, then one +giggled, and together they walked to the stairway and descended, +laughing all the way.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>Patricia opened the door and peeped out. "It was that red-haired girl, +and the black-haired one that are always together," she reported to +Arabella.</p> + +<p>"Now, what in the world were they laughing at?"</p> + +<p>"Laughing at the big card, I suppose," Arabella said.</p> + +<p>"Well, there's nothing funny about that," Patricia said, hotly. "It cost +ever so much more than the <i>teenty</i> little cards on the other doors +did." Patricia rated everything by its cost.</p> + +<p>"They knew that big card looked fine, and they certainly could see that +the lettering was showy," she continued; "so why did they stand outside +the door giggling?"</p> + +<p>"How do I know?" Arabella said.</p> + +<p>"Open the door, and we'll look at it again, and see if—"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p>A smart tap upon the door caused Arabella to stop in the middle of the +sentence.</p> + +<p>"S'pose it's those same girls?" whispered Patricia. "If I thought it was +I wouldn't stir a step."</p> + +<p>A second rap, louder, and more insistent than the first brought both +girls to their feet, and Patricia flew to open the door.</p> + +<p>Miss Fenler glared at them through her glasses.</p> + +<p>"Why did you not answer my first rap?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"We didn't know it was you," said Patricia.</p> + +<p>Ignoring the excuse, Miss Fenler continued: "I called to tell you to +remove that great card, and put a small one in its place with only your +names upon it, and in regard to your efforts to obtain work, you can not +have any such notice upon your door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> Instead you must leave your names +at the office and I will see if any of the pupils will patronize you."</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you mean!" cried Patricia, flushed and angry.</p> + +<p>For answer Miss Fenler pointed to a line penciled on the lower edge of +the placard which read:</p> + +<div class="center"><i>Patching and mending done<br /> +at reasonable prices.</i></div> + +<p>"We never wrote that!" cried Arabella, "and we don't want to be +patronized."</p> + +<p>"The red-haired girl, and the black-haired girl that are always +together, stopped at the door and did something, and then went down +stairs laughing all the way," screamed Patricia. "'Twas one of those two +who wrote that."</p> + +<p>"I must ask you to talk quietly," Miss<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> Fenler said, "and as to the +writing, I'll look into that. In the meantime I'll get a small card for +you to put in place of that large one."</p> + +<p>She left the room, and as soon as she was well out of hearing, Patricia +vowed vengeance upon the two girls who had written the provoking legend.</p> + +<p>"I'll get even with them!" she said.</p> + +<p>"How will you?" Arabella asked.</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet, but you'd better believe I'll watch for a chance!"</p> + +<p>"I'll watch, too!" cried Arabella.</p> + +<p>It was the custom at Glenmore to hold a little informal reception on an +evening of the third week after the school had opened.</p> + +<p>Its purpose was to have pupils of all the classes present so that those +who never met in the recitation-rooms might become acquainted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> + +<p>When the announcement appeared upon the bulletin board it caused a +flurry of excitement.</p> + +<p>Dorothy and Nancy had already found new friends, and were eager to meet +others whose agreeable ways had interested them.</p> + +<p>"It's such a pleasant place," Dorothy said one morning as she stood +brushing her hair, "and so many pleasant faces in the big class-room. I +saw at least a dozen I'd like to know, when we were having the morning +exercises, and there's ever so many more that we have yet to meet."</p> + +<p>"And Tuesday evening is sure to be jolly. There'll be a crowd to talk +with, and one of the girls told me to-day that there's almost sure to be +some music, either vocal or instrumental, and she said that last year +they often had fine readers at the receptions," Nancy concluded.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> + +<p>They were on their way to the class-room, when Patricia and Arabella +joined them.</p> + +<p>"Is the social to be a dressy affair?" Patricia asked, adding: "I hope +it is, because <i>I</i> shall be dressy, whether any one else is or not."</p> + +<p>They had reached the class-room door so that there was no time for +either Dorothy or Nancy to reply to the silly remark if they had cared +to do so.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>At eight o'clock nearly all the pupils had assembled in the big +reception-room, and the hum of voices told that each was doing her best +to outdo her neighbor. Near the center of the room a group of girls +stood talking. It was evident that the theme of their conversation was +not engrossing, for twice their leader, Betty Chase, had replied at +random while her eyes roved toward the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>door, and Valerie Dare remarked +that her chum had been reading such a romantic story, that she was +eagerly looking for a knight in full armor to appear.</p> + +<p>"Be still!" cried Betty. "You know very well what I'm looking for."</p> + +<p>"I do indeed," Valerie admitted. "Say, girls! You all know the two that +are always together, the one with goggles that we've dubbed the +'medicine chest,' and her chum who wears all the rainbow colors whenever +and wherever she appears?"</p> + +<p>"Surely, but what are their names?" inquired a pale, sickly-looking girl +who had joined the group.</p> + +<p>"Don't know their names," said Betty, "but I heard Miss Rainbow telling +her friend that she intended to wear 'something very dressy' to-night, +so I'm eager to see her. My! Here she comes now."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good gracious!" gasped Valerie, under her breath.</p> + +<p>With head very high, Patricia rushed, rather than walked across the +room, until she reached the center, when she stopped as if to permit +every one to obtain a good view of her costume. Her bold manner made her +more absurd even than her dress which was, as Betty Chase declared, +"<i>surprising!</i>"</p> + +<p>Turning slowly around to the right, then deliberately to the left, she +appeared to feel herself a paragon of fashion, a model dressed to give +the pupils of Glenmore a chance to observe something a bit finer than +they had ever seen before.</p> + +<p>As Patricia slowly turned, Arabella, like a satellite, as slowly +revolved about her.</p> + +<p>Who could wonder that a wave of soft laughter swept over the room. It +was evi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>dent that vanity equalling that of the peacock moved Patricia to +turn about that every one might see both front and back of her dress, +but no one could have guessed why Arabella in a plain brown woolen dress +kept pace with her silly friend.</p> + +<p>It was not vanity that kept droll little Arabella moving. No, indeed.</p> + +<p>Thus far, Arabella had made no new acquaintances.</p> + +<p>As she entered the reception-room with Patricia she saw only a sea of +strange faces, and with a wild determination at least to have Patricia +to speak to, she trotted around her, that she might not, at any moment, +find herself talking to Patricia's back.</p> + +<p>That surely would be awkward, she thought.</p> + +<p>Patricia's dress was a light gray silk, tastefully made, and had she +been content to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>wear it as it had been sent to her from New York, she +would have looked well-dressed, and no one would have made comments upon +her appearance.</p> + +<p>The soft red girdle gave a touch of color, but not nearly enough to +please Patricia.</p> + +<p>At the village store she had purchased ribbons of many colors, from +which she had made bows or rosettes of every hue, and these she had +tacked upon her slippers. Her hair was tied with a bright blue ribbon, +and over the shoulders of her blouse she had sewed pink and yellow +ribbons. Narrow green edged her red girdle.</p> + +<p>Blue and buff, rose and orange, straw-color and lavender, surely not a +tint was missing, and the result was absolutely comical! One would have +thought that a lunatic had designed the costume.</p> + +<p>And when she believed that her dress had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>been seen from all angles, +Patricia left the reception-room, passing to a larger room beyond, where +she seated herself, and at once assumed a bored expression. Not the +least interest in other pupils had she. She had come to the little +social to be gazed at, and as soon as she believed that all must have +seen her, the party held no further interest for her.</p> + +<p>She heard the buzz of whispered conversation in the room that she had +left, and she wished that she might know what they were saying. It was +well that she could not.</p> + +<p>"What an unpleasant-looking girl!" said one.</p> + +<p>"Wasn't that dress a regular rainbow?" whispered another.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but she was funny, turning around for us to see her, just like a +wax dummy in a store window," said a third.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><a name="wish" id="wish"></a><img src="./images/plate02.jpg" alt="She wished that she might know what they were saying." title="She wished that she might know what they were saying." /></div> +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">She wished that she might know what they were saying.</span>—<a href='#Page_32'><i>Page 32.</i></a></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She's queer to go off by herself!" remarked the first one who had +spoken.</p> + +<p>"We're not very nice," said Betty Chase, who thus far had not spoken, +"that is not very kind, to be so busily talking about her."</p> + +<p>"Well, I declare, Betty, who'd ever dream that you, who are always +getting into scrapes would boldly give us a lecture."</p> + +<p>Betty's black eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>"I know I get into funny scrapes," she snapped, "but whatever I do, I +don't talk about people, Ida Mayo."</p> + +<p>"You don't have time to," exclaimed her chum, Valerie Dare. "It takes +all your spare time to plan mischief."</p> + +<p>In the laugh that followed, Betty forgot that she was vexed.</p> + +<p>Patricia began to find it rather dull sitting alone in a room back of +the reception-hall.</p> + +<p>She felt that she had entered the hall in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>a burst of glory; had fairly +dazzled all beholders!</p> + +<p>She had believed that the girls would be so entranced with her +appearance that they would follow her that they might again inspect her +costume.</p> + +<p>She was amazed that she had been permitted to sit alone if she chose.</p> + +<p>The other pupils thought it strange that she should choose to remain +alone instead of becoming acquainted with those who were to be her +schoolmates for the year, but believing that she was determined to be +unsocial, they made no effort to disturb her.</p> + +<p>Arabella, who had followed her, became curious as to what was going on +in the hall, and from time to time, crept to the wide doorway, peeped +out to get a better view, then returned to report what she had seen.</p> + +<p>"Everybody is talking to Dorothy and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> Nancy," she said in a stage +whisper, then:</p> + +<p>"Vera Vane seems to know almost every one already, and Elf Carleton is +telling a funny story, and making all the girls around her laugh.</p> + +<p>"And, Patricia, you <i>ought</i> to come here and see Betty Chase. She has a +long straw, and she's tickling Valerie's neck with it. Valerie doesn't +dream what it is, and while she's talking, keeps trying to brush off the +tickly thing. Come and see her!"</p> + +<p>Patricia did not stir. She longed to see the fun, but she felt rather +abashed to come out from her corner.</p> + +<p>The sound of a violin being tuned proved too tempting, however, and she +joined Arabella in the doorway.</p> + +<p>One of the youngest pupils stood, violin in hand, while, at the piano, +Betty Chase was playing the prelude. Lina Danford han<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>dled the bow +cleverly, and played her little solo with evident ease.</p> + +<p>Her audience was delighted, and gayly their hands clapped their +approval. The two in the doorway stood quite still, and gave no evidence +of pleasure. Arabella was too spunkless to applaud; Patricia was too +jealous.</p> + +<p>Arabella, after her own dull fashion, had enjoyed the music.</p> + +<p>Patricia surely had not.</p> + +<p>Patricia never could bear to see or hear <i>any one</i> do <i>anything!</i></p> + +<p>"Let's go up to our room," she whispered.</p> + +<p>"P'rhaps some of the others will play or sing," ventured Arabella, who +wished to remain.</p> + +<p>"<i>Let</i> 'em!" Patricia said, even her whisper showing that she was vexed.</p> + +<p>"'<i>Let</i> 'em?'" Arabella drawled. "Why<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> I'll have to let 'em. I couldn't +stop them, and I don't want to. I'd like to hear them."</p> + +<p>"Then stay and hear them!" snapped Patricia, and she rushed out into the +midst of the groups of listeners, and dashed up the stairway before Miss +Fenler could stop her.</p> + +<p>What could have been more rude and ill-bred than to leave in such haste, +thereby disturbing those who were enjoying the music?</p> + +<p>Arabella's first thought was to follow Patricia lest she be angry, but +she saw Miss Fenler's effort to stay Patricia, and she dared not leave +the room.</p> + +<p>Arabella felt as if she were between two desperate people.</p> + +<p>She feared Miss Fenler, as did every pupil at Glenmore, and by remaining +where she was, she certainly was not offending her, but she could not +forget Patricia. What a temper she would be in when, after the con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>cert +was over, Arabella, cautiously, would turn the latch, and enter their +chamber!</p> + +<p>Patricia was wide awake, and listening, when at last Arabella reached +their door. Softly she tried to open it so carefully that if Patricia +were asleep she might remain so.</p> + +<p>Patricia had turned the key in the lock, and she fully enjoyed lying +comfortably on the bed, and listening while on the other side of the +door her chum was turning the knob first one way and then the other.</p> + +<p>There's no knowing how long she would have permitted Arabella to stand +out in the hall, but suddenly she remembered that Miss Fenler strode +down the corridors every night after lights were supposed to be out, +just to learn if any one of the girls were defying the rule.</p> + +<p>With a rather loud "O <i>dear!</i>" Patricia flounced out of bed, went to the +door, pre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>tended to be so sleepy that she could not at once find the +key, and then, as the door opened, gave an exaggerated yawn.</p> + +<p>For once Arabella was quick-witted.</p> + +<p>"Miss Fenler is just coming up the stairs," she said.</p> + +<p>Patricia forgot the scolding that she had been preparing for Arabella, +and instead she said:</p> + +<p>"Hurry! Put out the light. You can undress in the dark, but for +goodness' sake, don't stumble over anything!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>MISCHIEF</h3> + + +<p>A few days later, Dorothy stood at the window looking out upon a +windswept road, where not even so much as a dry leaf remained to tell of +the vanished Autumn.</p> + +<p>The sky was cloud-covered, and the gaunt trees bent and swayed as if a +giant arm were shaking them.</p> + +<p>"We missed our afternoon trip down to the village," she said, "but no +one would care to walk in this gale, and even—why, who—? Nancy, come +here! <i>Isn't</i> that Patricia?"</p> + +<p>Nancy ran to the window.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, no—yes,—Well, it certainly is Patricia," she said.</p> + +<p>"And just look at the parcel she's carrying!"</p> + +<p>"Whatever it is, she must have wanted it, to go out such day as this," +said Nancy, "and look! Miss Fenler is out on the porch,—why, she's +actually feeling of it to see what's in the parcel. Really, I don't see +why it's all right for her to do that."</p> + +<p>"It does seem queer," agreed Dorothy, "but you know it is the rule that +the girls must not bring large parcels into this house, unless they're +willing to show what is in them.</p> + +<p>"There! The paper has burst open, and,—Well, did you see that?"</p> + +<p>Miss Fenler was actually thrusting a long bony finger into the opening +with the hope of learning if anything that had been for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>bidden, was +being smuggled into the house inside the folds of gayly flowered goods +that Patricia had declared was a tea-gown. After a moment, Miss Fenler +nodded as if dismissing the matter, and Patricia, her chin very high, +passed into the hall. Miss Fenler turned to look after her, as if not +sure if she had done wisely in permitting Patricia to enter with so +large a bundle, without first compelling her to open it, and spread its +contents for inspection.</p> + +<p>Patricia's eyes had flashed when questioned about her parcel, but once +inside the hall, her anger increased, and she mounted the stairs, +tramping along the upper hall so noisily that several pupils looked out +to learn who had arrived. Farther down the hall a door opened, and Betty +Chase's laughing face looked out. She, too, had seen Patricia and Miss +Fenler on the porch and, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>while she did not like Patricia, she detested +the woman who seemed to enjoy spying, so her sympathy was, of course, +with the pupil.</p> + +<p>"Had a scrap with the 'Fender'? I'd half a mind to say 'cow-catcher,'" +she said.</p> + +<p>"Well, what if I did?" Patricia said, rudely, and walked on toward her +room.</p> + +<p>Betty looked after her.</p> + +<p>"Well, of all things!" she whispered, then said, "The next time you need +sympathy, try to buy some at the grocer's. Don't look to me!"</p> + +<p>Patricia had done a rude, and foolish thing. Betty Chase was a favorite, +and Patricia had longed to be one of her friends, but thus far Betty had +been surrounded by her classmates, who hovered about her so persistently +that the pupils from Merrivale had not yet become acquainted with her. +Betty had hailed Patricia pleasantly, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>she really might have paused +for a little chat, but she was one of those unpleasant persons who, when +some one person has annoyed her, is vexed with the whole world. She took +little heed as to where she was going, and stamped along, muttering some +of the many wrathful thoughts that filled her mind.</p> + +<p>Reaching a door that stood ajar, she pushed it open, and rushed in +exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"The horrid old thing tried to pick open my parcel, but I wouldn't let +her. I guess Miss Sharp-eyes won't try again to—Why, where are you, +Arabella?"</p> + +<p>A tall, thin girl with a pale face and colorless hair emerged from the +closet where she had been hanging some garments.</p> + +<p>"Do you rush into people's rooms, and call them names?" she asked in a +peculiar drawl.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<p>Patricia for once, was too surprised to speak.</p> + +<p>"My name is not Arabella, nor Miss Sharp-eyes," concluded the girl.</p> + +<p>"I—I beg your pardon. I thought this was my own room," gasped Patricia, +and rushing from the room, opened the next door on which her own name +and Arabella's appeared. She flew in, banging the door behind her.</p> + +<p>Arabella sprang to her feet, dropped her glasses, picked them up, and +setting them upon her nose, stared through them at Patricia.</p> + +<p>"Don't you speak a single word!" commanded Patricia, "for I'm 'bout as +mad as I can be now, and if I get any madder—"</p> + +<p>She stopped in sheer amazement, for Arabella had put on her hat, and was +now getting into her coat.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where are you going?" demanded Patricia, but Arabella put her left hand +over her lips, while with her right she slipped another button into its +buttonhole, and sidled toward the door.</p> + +<p>Patricia sprang forward, locked the door, took Arabella by the shoulder, +and pushed her toward a chair. Surprised, and calmed by Arabella's +silence, and her attempt to leave the room, Patricia now spoke in an +injured tone.</p> + +<p>"I'd never believe you'd start to go out, when I'd just come in so +vexed, and with loads of things to tell you. For goodness' sake, can't +you answer?"</p> + +<p>"You told me not to say a word," said Arabella, "and you looked so cross +that I just didn't dare to, and I was going out so I'd be sure not to."</p> + +<p>Patricia was flattered to learn that Ara<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>bella had actually been afraid +of her. "Goosie!" she cried, "when will you learn that I don't always +mean all that I say! Old Sharp-eyes didn't really open my bundle. Come +over here and see what was hidden in it."</p> + +<p>She opened the parcel of gaily-flowered cotton, and began to unfold the +goods.</p> + +<p>"There!" she cried when the last fold was loosed, and six packages were +proudly displayed.</p> + +<p>"Good gracious!" cried Arabella, "I don't see how you got inside the +door with all those things, for I saw her pinching your bundle, and +you'd think that she must have felt those little parcels even if they +were wrapped inside that cloth."</p> + +<p>"Well, you may be very sure she didn't feel them, for if she had, I'd +never had them to show you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was, indeed, a fixed rule at Glenmore that pupils, except by special +permission, should bring no food into the building, the reason being +that plenty of good food was provided at meal times, and eating between +meals was forbidden.</p> + +<p>Patricia's idea of a "treat" was a variety of all sorts, but never a +thought had she as to whether the articles that she chose would combine +well.</p> + +<p>Arabella, often annoyed with indigestion, gazed at the "treat" that +Patricia had placed upon the little table, and wondered how she would +feel when she had eaten her share.</p> + +<p>And eat it she must, for Patricia never would forgive her if she did +not. More than that, she must not refuse anything, because Patricia +would consider that a sure sign that her "treat" had failed to please, +and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>for a week at least, would talk of Arabella as ungrateful.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>In a room farther up the corridor, Vera and Elf were laughing and +chuckling over much the same trick as that which Patricia had played, +only that Vera and Elf had brought a huge parcel into the house, and had +not been questioned regarding it.</p> + +<p>It was late afternoon when Vera had returned from the village. Dorothy +saw her far up the road, and wondered why she walked so slowly, but as +she neared the gateway, it was evident that she carried a heavy parcel. +Her storm-coat had a deep cape, but it only partly hid the bundle.</p> + +<p>She looked up toward the window where Dorothy stood, laughed, and made a +gesture to indicate that she was going around to the rear of the house.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nancy, what do you suppose the girls are up to?"</p> + +<p>"Vera has just come from the village with a bundle twice as big as the +one Miss Fenler found Patricia bringing in, and she has gone around +toward the back door with it."</p> + +<p>"She's trying to dodge Miss Fenler," Nancy said.</p> + +<p>"But, Nancy, she can't get to her room from the back way. The back door +leads into the kitchen. There's no back stairway."</p> + +<p>"I know that," Nancy said, "but Vera isn't going around the house for +the sake of a walk. She's intending to get in the back way I do believe. +I wonder if she has coaxed one of the maids to help her. Come on, down +the hall to the big window that has a balcony under it. We'll see if she +really gets in."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dorothy clasped Nancy's outstretched hand and they ran softly along the +hall, reaching the window just in time to see a bulky-looking bundle +swinging from a rope, and occasionally bumping against the house as it +made its way slowly upward.</p> + +<p>On the ground stood Vera eagerly looking up, while, from the window of +their room Elf reached out, desperately struggling to draw the heavy +bundle up to the window sill.</p> + +<p>"Don't stand there looking up at me!" she said in a voice hardly above a +whisper. "Come up here before somebody sees you." Vera lost no time in +doing as Elf said, while Dorothy and Nancy wasted not a moment, but sped +down the hall, and once safely in their room, sat down, laughing at what +they had seen.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Vera raced along the hall, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>into her room, flew to the +window and soon the precious bundle lay on the floor, the two girls +bending over it.</p> + +<p>"Oo-oo! Cream-cakes! A box of fudge, frosted cake!" cried Elf, then. +"What's in this tin can?"</p> + +<p>"Oysters," said Vera, "and we'll have a hot stew to-night after every +one is in bed!"</p> + +<p>"My! But how can we cook it?" Elf asked.</p> + +<p>"In the can," said Vera. "That's easy 'nough. There's a pint of oysters, +and three pints of milk all shaken up together in that two-quart can. We +can heat it over the gas jet. I'm sure they'll cook all right."</p> + +<p>"Why, Vera Vane! It will take <i>hours</i> to make it boil over that gas jet. +I guess we'll enjoy taking turns holding it, while we wait for it to +cook!"</p> + +<p>"Pooh! It'll taste so good we'll forget <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>our arms ache when we get the +very first spoonful!"</p> + +<p>Elf was not sure about that, but Vera had a way of speaking as if what +she said settled the matter, so although not convinced, Elf made no +reply. "Come! Help me put these things away," cried Vera. "We don't want +any one to know about our fine little after-bedtime party, and we ought +to hide our treat before some one comes to our door."</p> + +<p>So the cakes and fudge were placed on the shelf in the closet, where +with the big can full of oysters and milk they became close neighbors +with the hat-boxes.</p> + +<p>Then Vera and Elf sat down to prepare their lessons for the next day.</p> + +<p>They had invited Betty Chase and her chum, Valerie Dare, to spend the +evening with them, and enjoy the treat.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<p>They were to go to bed at the usual time, have their light out at nine +o'clock, and as soon as they heard Miss Fenler pass down the hall, and +then descend the stairs, they were to open their door softly, close it +behind them, and then, with greatest caution, make their way along the +hall to Vera's room.</p> + +<p>Night came, their lessons were prepared for the morrow, their lights +were out, when they heard Miss Fenler pass their door, then,—why did +she return and pass the door a second time?</p> + +<p>Was it imagination, or did she pause before going on?</p> + +<p>Their hearts beat faster, and Valerie laid her hand over hers, she +afterward said, to hush it so that the dreaded Miss Fenler might not +hear it.</p> + +<p>"Has she gone?" whispered Betty, to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>which Valerie, who was nearest the +door, replied with a low, "Sh—!"</p> + +<p>Farther up the corridor two others listened. Not a sound was heard in +the hall, and Betty Chase cautiously opened the door a few inches. A +board in the floor creaked, and she shut the door so quickly that she +forgot to be careful, and one might have heard it the length of the +hall.</p> + +<p>"Oo-oo!" whispered Valerie. "You let me manage that door, please, the +next time it's opened."</p> + +<p>"When'll the next time be?" whispered Betty with a chuckle.</p> + +<p>"Now!" whispered Valerie, and stepping out into the hall, they carefully +closed the door, then ran softly along to Vera's door, and tapped upon +the panel with a hat-pin for a knocker. The door opened and they were +only too glad to have it close behind them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> Yet a bit longer they +waited before lighting up, and while they waited, they sat upon the bed +and talked in whispers.</p> + +<p>The street lamp threw a band of light across the room.</p> + +<p>Five minutes later, the blankets were taken from the bed and hung over +the door, that no ray of light from the room might be visible in the +hall, through either crack or keyhole.</p> + +<p>A second blanket was pinned to the curtains, that neither coachman nor +maid returning from the town might catch a glimpse of light.</p> + +<p>Then the fun began.</p> + +<p>They had become bolder, and forgetting to whisper, talked in undertones. +Vera, mounted on a cushioned stool, was holding the can over the gas +jet, and watching eagerly for some sign of boiling.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The milk is steaming," she announced. "S'pose it's done?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet, goosie!" Elf replied, "and I <i>know</i>," she continued, "'cause I +remember hearing our cook say that the stew was ready when the oysters +looked all puckered around their edges."</p> + +<p>"O gracious! If that's true, somebody'll have to come and hold this old +can a while. My arm is about broken!"</p> + +<p>Betty seized the can, and mounted the stool, and Vera, thus relieved, +ran to the closet, returning with the cream-cakes and the fudge.</p> + +<p>The white counterpane stripped from the bed, and spread upon the floor, +served as a lunch-cloth, and when the "goodies" were set upon it, the +big can in the center, steaming, if not boiling, the four sat +cross-legged around the feast, and prepared to enjoy it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> + +<p>Salt and pepper in abundance had been thrown into the can, so that while +it lacked sufficient cooking, it surely did not lack seasoning.</p> + +<p>Bravely each tried to eat her share, but so salt was it, that it almost +brought the tears.</p> + +<p>The cream-cakes were fine, and the girls were laughing softly over +Betty's remark that no one knew of their little "party," when a knock +upon the door caused Valerie to drop her cream-cake. In an instant she +had rolled over, crawled under the bed, Betty following, while Vera and +Elf sprang into bed, drawing the coverings to their chins to hide that +they were fully dressed. It was one of Miss Fenler's rules that pupils +should never lock their doors.</p> + +<p>Now in a harsh voice she called: "Open this door <i>at once!</i>"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p>Vera sprang to the floor, shut off the gas, softly turned the key in the +lock, and was back in bed and covered up to her eyes, in a second.</p> + +<p>Upon opening the door, Miss Fenler stumbled into the blanket that hung +from the door-frame. Crossing the room to light the gas, she put her +right foot directly upon a cream-cake, while with her left she upset the +can of stew.</p> + +<p>An angry exclamation, properly stifled, caused the two under the bed to +nudge each other, while struggling not to laugh.</p> + +<p>Vera and Elf lay quite still, the puff drawn up to their closely shut +eyes.</p> + +<p>Miss Fenler lit the gas, and it was just as well that the culprits dared +not open their eyes, for the face that she turned toward them was not +pleasant to see.</p> + +<p>She was desperately angry.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What does this mean?" she cried shrilly.</p> + +<p>Vera and Elf breathed heavily, as if soundly sleeping.</p> + +<p>"You're not asleep!" she declared, "and I insist that you answer me. +Again I ask, what does this mean?"</p> + +<p>Vera and Elf breathed harder than before, Vera adding a soft little +snore.</p> + +<p>"Oh, very well!" cried Miss Fenler. "If you are determined not to reply +to-night, I will report you to Mrs. Marvin, and you may make your +explanations to her to-morrow."</p> + +<p>She left the room, her anger increased by their obstinate pretense of +slumber.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>A WONDERFUL TONIC</h3> + + +<p>Vera awoke long before daylight, and lay thinking.</p> + +<p>"That's just the way I do things," she said in a voice barely above a +whisper.</p> + +<p>"I plan the fun, and always have a good time, that is '<i>most</i>' always, +but it's sure to wind up in a scrape. I plan how to get into mischief. +Why don't I ever plan how to get out?"</p> + +<p>Elf stirred uneasily, and Vera gave her shoulder a vigorous shake.</p> + +<p>"Wake up!" she commanded. "Wake up, and help me plan what we'd better +say when we have to face Mrs. Marvin."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm sleepy," drawled Elf. "We're smart enough to say something when +she stares at us over her spectacles. We'll say we—"</p> + +<p>A wee snore finished the sentence, and Vera turned over with a lurch +that shook the bed.</p> + +<p>She thought it very hard that she must lie awake and worry, while Elf +could sleep; in short, she wanted some one to worry with her.</p> + +<p>"It's like the way I climb trees when we're away in the summer," she +muttered.</p> + +<p>"It's fine climbing up, but I'm always afraid to climb down. If Bob is +near, I can always make him get me down, but Bob isn't here to get me +out of this mess, and Elf won't even try to keep awake to help me +think."</p> + +<p>She concluded that it was very unfeeling <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>for Elf to be so sleepy. Her +cheeks were flushed, and her head ached.</p> + +<p>"O dear!" she whispered, softly, "Dorothy Dainty and Nancy Ferris are +full of fun, but they never get into a regular fix such as I'm in now. I +don't see how they manage to have such good times without ever getting +mixed up in something that's hard to explain. And Betty and Valerie will +get off Scot free, for 'The Fender' couldn't see them under the bed, and +of course we'll not tell that they were there."</p> + +<p>She did not know that when Betty and Valerie had reached their own room +they found that in their haste to arrive at the "feast" they had left +the light burning in their room!</p> + +<p>Oh, indeed Miss Fenler had seen that, and she had opened the door. She +had found no one there. She had seen that four had been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>enjoying the +feast, because at each of the four sides of the spread were fragments of +partly eaten cream-cakes, or bits of fruitcakes. Her sharp eyes had seen +enough to assure her that two other girls were in hiding somewhere in +the room, doubtless the two whose light had been left burning. She +thought it clever to let them think that they had escaped notice. Their +surprise would be greater when she sent them to Mrs. Marvin the next +morning. Daylight found Vera tossing and turning, while Elf was +dreaming. It was not that Vera could not bear reproof. She could listen +for a half-hour to a description of her faults, and look like a cheerful +flaxen-haired sprite all the while. That which now worried her was the +thought that Mrs. Marvin might send her home.</p> + +<p>It was the fifth time during the month <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>that she had been reprimanded, +and even gentle Mrs. Marvin <i>might</i> reach the limit of her patience.</p> + +<p>Her father, she knew, would speak reprovingly, and then laugh at her. +Her mother, always weak-willed, would say: "Vera, dear, I wonder if you +were really naughty, or if it was that they didn't <i>quite</i> understand +you."</p> + +<p>Oh, there was nothing to fear about being sent home, but the fact that +thus she would lose a deal of fun that she could so enjoy with a lot of +lively girls of her own age.</p> + +<p>She resolved to appear as off-hand as usual, unless Mrs. Marvin should +say that she must not remain at Glenmore, when she would throw pride to +the winds, and plead, yes, even beg to continue as a pupil of the +school. She turned and looked at Elf, still soundly sleeping.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p>"O dear! I'm the only girl in school who has anything to fret over," she +whispered.</p> + +<p>It happened, however, that at the far end of the building, another girl +was quite as worried as Vera, but it was a very different matter that +had caused her to wake, as Vera had, before daybreak.</p> + +<p>She had entered Glenmore a few weeks after school had opened, and was +rather a quiet girl, as yet acquainted with but few of the pupils.</p> + +<p>Some one circulated the story that she was being educated by an uncle +who was a very rich man. Patricia Levine had added that as he lived in +"N'York," and as her mother also lived there, she, of course, knew him, +and she had told Patricia that old Mr. Mayo was more than rich, that he +was many, many times a millionaire.</p> + +<p>"Ida Mayo is to be an heiress, and have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>all that money. Just think of +that!" Patricia had said, and immediately began to be very friendly with +her.</p> + +<p>Betty Chase boldly asked Patricia why it followed that because Mrs. +Levine and old Mr. Mayo lived in New York they must, of course, be +acquainted, to which Patricia snapped.</p> + +<p>"I didn't say they <i>must</i> be acquainted. I said 'they <i>are</i>'!"</p> + +<p>Ida Mayo seemed not to notice that Patricia sought to be friendly, nor +did she make any effort to become acquainted with any of the other +pupils.</p> + +<p>She seemed content to stand apart and watch the others in their games. +It was Dorothy Dainty who seemed to hold her attention, and once Betty +Chase asked boldly: "I wonder why you watch Dorothy so much."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know," Ida had said, then added, "I guess it's because she's +worth looking at?"</p> + +<p>Secretly she envied Dorothy's lovely color, and wished that her own +cheeks were as fresh and fair. That evening in her little room, she +looked in disgust at her reflection in the mirror. A pale face returned +her gaze, and she made a grimace.</p> + +<p>"It's bad enough to be pale without having a few of last summer's +freckles left to make it worse," she cried.</p> + +<p>There were lessons to be prepared for the morrow, but the reflection in +the mirror had so disturbed her that she cast lessons aside and +commenced reading a story in a new magazine. The heroine was described +as having a wonderful complexion, as fair, as pink and white, as perfect +in coloring as a sea-shell.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course!" said Ida, "and that's the sort I wish I had."</p> + +<p>Her eyes strayed from the story of the beautiful heroine to the +advertising column.</p> + +<p>"Raise mushrooms," read one advertisement, next: "Try our patent +collar-button," then: "Write poems for us."</p> + +<p>"How stupid!" she said. "Who'd want to raise mushrooms, I'd like to +know? Who wants their old collar-buttons? And for mercy's sake, how many +people who read those advertising columns can write poetry?"</p> + +<p>She was about to toss the magazine upon the couch, when two words in +large print caught her attention.</p> + +<p>"Banish freckles—"</p> + +<p>"What's that?" she whispered.</p> + +<p>"Banish freckles and have a perfect complexion," she read. "Send fifty +cents to us, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>or obtain our tonic at any drug-store. Directions inside +package."</p> + +<p>It must have been the best of good luck that had prompted her to neglect +her lessons, and spend the evening hours with the magazine, she thought.</p> + +<p>She was far too impatient to wait to receive the tonic by mail.</p> + +<p>She had never been to the local drug-store, so the clerks would not know +her, but if any of the Glenmore girls were there, she would buy some +candy, and wait until another day to obtain the tonic.</p> + +<p>She drew a long breath when she saw, upon entering, that she was the +only customer.</p> + +<p>The clerk thought it odd that a little girl should be buying a +complexion-beautifier, but concluded that she, doubtless, was doing the +errand for some older person.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> + +<p>Night came, and at the hour when Vera and Elf with Betty and Valerie +were tasting their goodies, and listening to every sound that might be +approaching footsteps, Ida Mayo, not a whit less excited, was +breathlessly reading the directions for applying the tonic.</p> + +<p>"Spread the tonic over the face, rubbing it thoroughly into the skin. +Let it remain all night. You will be astonished at the result."</p> + +<p>A dozen times during the night she had been awakened with the scalding, +burning of her face. The directions had said that the skin would +probably burn, but the result in the morning would fully repay the user, +by the extreme loveliness of the radiant complexion!</p> + +<p>Ida bore the burning bravely, but when the first faint light appeared +she sat up in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>bed, pressing her hands to her smarting cheeks.</p> + +<p>"If the freckles are gone, and my skin is fair, I won't say a word about +this burning," she said. "But how," she continued, "can my face look +even half-way decent, when it is smarting so furiously?"</p> + +<p>At last, she could bear it no longer, and springing out of bed, she ran +to the dresser, and gasped as she looked at her reflection. Even in the +dim light of the dawn of a cloudy day, she saw that her cheeks, her +forehead, her chin, were all very red.</p> + +<p>Were they spotty as well?</p> + +<p>"O dear! If it was only light enough for me to really see!" she +whispered.</p> + +<p>She looked at the tiny clock. At that early hour no one was stirring at +Glenmore.</p> + +<p>No one would see her if she went down to the door, and it would be +lighter there. A <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>gable shaded the window, and made her room less light.</p> + +<p>Thrusting her tangled locks up under the elastic of her muslin cap, and +throwing on a loose sack, she snatched the hand-mirror from her dresser, +and softly yet swiftly went out into the hall and down the stairs.</p> + +<p>She paused in the lower hall, there thinking that she heard some one +coming, she rushed out on the piazza, down the steps, and across the +lawn to an open space where nothing could obscure the light. Already it +was growing lighter, and she lifted the hand-mirror. A look of horror +swept over her little face.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a fright!" she cried, as she stood staring at the reflection.</p> + +<p>Her face was scarlet, and if the freckles had disappeared, it was +because they had taken the skin with them when they went!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> + +<p>For a moment she stood as if rooted to the spot, then realizing that +some restless pupil might be up and chance to see her from the window, +she turned and ran at top speed toward the house. The big door stood +open as she had left it, and she raced across the hall and up the +stairway, entering her room just as footsteps echoed along the hall.</p> + +<p>She closed the door and sat down.</p> + +<p>"Why <i>did</i> I see that horrid old advertisement?" she exclaimed. Her +smarting, burning cheeks were enough to bear, but worse than that was +the thought that she would be compelled to appear in the class-room.</p> + +<p>How the girls would stare at her! What would they say among themselves?</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><a name="fright" id="fright"></a><img src="./images/plate03.jpg" alt=""Oh, what a fright!" she cried." title=""Oh, what a fright!" she cried." /></div> +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">"Oh, what a fright!" she cried.</span>—<a href='#Page_73'><i>Page 73.</i></a></div> + + +<p>Vera believed herself to be the only girl at Glenmore who had even the +slightest rea<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>son for worrying. Ida Mayo possessed the same idea.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin listened to all that Miss Fenler had to say about the feast, +the two who had planned it, and the other two who beyond a doubt had +been invited guests.</p> + +<p>"And <i>I</i> should send them home, and at the same time mail a tart letter +to their parents telling them that their room was better than their +company."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin looked up at the thin, harsh face of her assistant.</p> + +<p>"Mercy is sometimes as valuable in a case like this, as extreme +severity," she said.</p> + +<p>"They have broken a well-known rule here, and must be dealt with +accordingly. They must be made clearly to understand that a repetition +would not be overlooked."</p> + +<p>"I am only an assistant," Miss Fenler <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>said, "but I have my opinions, +and I can't help thinking that you are too gentle with them."</p> + +<p>"They have been mischievous, surely, but had their mischief been such as +would harm, or annoy their classmates, I should have been more severe.</p> + +<p>"You may send them to me. I will see them before the school opens for +the morning session."</p> + +<p>"There is another pupil that I must speak of, and that is the Mayo girl. +It has been her habit to keep apart from the other girls. She seems to +prefer to spend much of her leisure time not only indoors, but in her +room.</p> + +<p>"Lina Danford, the little girl whose room is next hers told me that Ida +Mayo had been crying ever since daybreak. Lina thought that she must be +ill, and she knocked at the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>door, but while for a moment the crying +ceased, there was no answer, even when the knock was several times +repeated."</p> + +<p>"Have you tried to rouse her?" Mrs. Marvin said, her fine face showing +genuine alarm.</p> + +<p>"I knocked three times, but received no reply, and the door is locked."</p> + +<p>"I will go to her," Mrs. Marvin said. "You may open school for me. Say +nothing to the other girls. I will talk with them at the noon recess."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin hurried up the stairway, and along the upper hall to the +corner room. She paused before tapping. If Ida Mayo had been crying, she +was not crying now.</p> + +<p>She knocked and waited. Knocked again, and again she waited.</p> + +<p>"Ida, you must open your door for me. This is Mrs. Marvin."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>The morning session had opened, and fresh young voices could be plainly +heard. They were singing Ida's favorite, an old song, "All hail, +pleasant morning."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin heard a faint sob.</p> + +<p>"Ida, I am your friend. Let me in, and tell me what troubles you." No +response.</p> + +<p>"Open the door quickly, or I shall call Marcus to force it open."</p> + +<p>Ida opened the door with a jerk.</p> + +<p>"There!" she cried, angrily. "I don't see why I could not stay alone in +my room until I looked fit to be seen!"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin thought the raw, scarlet face denoted some desperate +illness, but chancing to look toward the dresser, she caught sight of +the bottle, uncorked, and with its showy label bearing the legend:</p> + +<div class="center">"<span class="smcap">Tonic. Twelve-Hour Beautifier.</span>"</div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> +Mrs. Marvin sat down upon a low seat, and drew Ida down beside her, and +patiently she listened to the story of the longing for beauty, the +reading of the advertisement.</p> + +<p>"I s'pose I put on too much," Ida concluded. "They said, 'Just a bit on +the tip of the fingers rubbed into the skin each night for two weeks +would work wonders.</p> + +<p>"They said used generously you'd be surprised at the result! I guess I +was.</p> + +<p>"I thought if a little would do so much, a lot of it would do more, so I +put it on thick, and went to bed.</p> + +<p>"O dear! It has been a comfort to tell you, but I can't face those girls +while I look like this!"</p> + +<p>"I shall not ask you to," Mrs. Marvin said. "I will bring you some +cooling ointment to heal your face, and I'll send old Judy up with your +meals.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will tell her to say to any pupils who may question her, 'Miss Mayo +feels so miserable that she'll not come down to her meals for a few +days.' Judy is absolutely trustworthy."</p> + +<p>Judy proved herself quick-witted, for when an inquisitive pupil tried to +peep into the room as she entered with the tray, Judy turned sharply, +remarking:</p> + +<p>"Ah don' s'pose yo wants ter ketch anythin' what's 'tagious, does ya?"</p> + +<p>The pupil backed away from the door, when at a distance she said: "You +don't seem to be much afraid."</p> + +<p>"Ah isn't 'fraid, 'cause I's had dis same ting."</p> + +<p>She had indeed suffered in the same way. True it was not freckles that +annoyed her. It was a longing to rid herself of her black skin that had +tempted her to purchase a bot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>tle of a so-called beautifier, warranted +to produce a new skin.</p> + +<p>That was some years before, but Judy remembered it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>A SLEIGHING PARTY</h3> + + +<p>Dorothy was never inclined toward mischief, and now, when her mother was +away traveling for change of scene, and much-needed rest, she felt very +eager to send each month, a fine report of her progress. Dorothy was +full of life, and loved a good time, if Nancy, her dearest friend might +enjoy it with her.</p> + +<p>When the news was circulated that the great sleigh at the livery stable +had been chartered by Mrs. Marvin, and that sleigh-rides would be in +order as long as the snow lasted, none was more eager for the pleasure +than Dorothy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + +<p>To be sure, she had always enjoyed plenty of sleigh-rides when at home +at the Stone House, but here was a novelty! The big sleigh at Glenmore +would hold twenty girls, while the beautiful Russian sleigh at the Stone +House held four, and the pony sleigh two. Mrs. Marvin, in making out the +list for each party, was careful to place those already acquainted +together. Thus, the list that was headed with Dorothy's name included +Nancy Ferris, of course, then Vera, Elf, Patricia, Arabella, Betty, +Valerie, and twelve others, who were at least slightly acquainted with +those already named.</p> + +<p>They were about evenly divided in another way. Ten were exceedingly +lively, while the other half of the list were pleasant girls of quieter +type.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin well knew that twenty lively girls would be likely to be a +bit too gay for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>the steady-going inhabitants of the town of Glenmore, +while the school must keep up its reputation for being cheerful, but +surely not noisy nor flighty!</p> + +<p>The day for the first sleigh-ride dawned clear and cold, and Marcus +informed Judy that it was cold enough "ter freeze de bronze statoo down +in de square."</p> + +<p>They were to start at three, and promptly at that hour Marcus drew up at +the door.</p> + +<p>Eager to start, the girls were all waiting in the hall, when Arabella +drawled:</p> + +<p>"Every one wait while I go and get my shawls."</p> + +<p>She darted up the stairs, Patricia calling after her: "Your shawls, +goosie! Why you're wearing two coats and a sweater now."</p> + +<p>"What did Arabella say?" asked Betty Chase.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I thought she said she wanted the shawl to put over her <i>ears!</i>"</p> + +<p>"She did say that," declared Patricia, "and won't she look fine; +besides, how could she get them on when twenty of us are packed into +that sleigh?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll help her with them," cried Betty Chase, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"So will I," chimed in Valerie.</p> + +<p>"Here she comes now. Well, as I live, she <i>has</i> brought two shawls," +said Betty.</p> + +<p>"One for each ear," said Valerie.</p> + +<p>Laughing and chattering they ran down the path, and soon were +comfortably seated, very close to be sure, but very warm.</p> + +<p>Arabella said that the two shawls were to wear later if it became +colder, whereat, Betty begged her to sit upon them.</p> + +<p>"You take up room enough for three with a big shawl under each arm," +said Betty.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> "Stand up and I'll fold them so you can sit on them."</p> + +<p>Arabella meekly did as she was told. If any other girl had done the same +thing, she would have obstinately rebelled, but Betty had a way that was +compelling, and Arabella, after she was seated, wondered why she had +been so meek.</p> + +<p>Patricia Levine had brought a big box of fudge, and she now passed it +around. Arabella said she knew it would make her sick, but she took two +pieces instead of one, lest the box might not come around again.</p> + +<p>The route took them over a long roadway that had been cut through a +forest, and on either side the great trees towered above them, their +branches heaped with snow. The underbrush was beautified with what +looked like patches of swan's-down, and a tiny, ice-bound brook wound +its way in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>among the giant trees, disappearing behind a clump of +evergreens.</p> + +<p>It had been possible to see all these things because the road had been +so rough that Marcus had been obliged to drive rather slowly.</p> + +<p>Now, as they emerged from the wood-road, he touched the whip to the +flank of one of his horses, and with one accord they sprang forward, +giving the chattering occupants of the sleigh a decided "bounce," and +stopping Elf Carleton in the middle of the story that she was telling.</p> + +<p>"O dear! Where was I when that jolt came?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you were telling," said Vera, "but it's my turn now, +and I'm going to tell how awfully you acted this morning.</p> + +<p>"Girls, Mrs. Marvin was perfectly lovely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> She just talked and talked +about how good I <i>ought</i> to be, but I didn't mind that, so long as she +didn't say she was going to send me home. She never said a single word +about that, but I didn't know she was going to be such a perfect dear. I +woke before daylight, and much comfort Elf was to me! I tell you truly, +girls, I poked her, I called to her, I shook her, but couldn't get her +enough awake to say a word.</p> + +<p>"Well, we're about even, for one morning last week when I kept telling +her my tooth was aching, she paid no attention until I gave her an +outrageous poke, and shouted into her ear, 'My tooth aches!'</p> + +<p>"She didn't open her eyes, but what she said was a great comfort."</p> + +<p>"What did she say?" questioned Betty.</p> + +<p>"She said it might stop aching if I kept my mouth closed," said Vera, +"and it took <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>me five minutes to realize that her advice was more for +her benefit than mine. She wanted another nap, and closing my mouth to +shield my aching tooth would also prevent my talking. Trust Elf for +making sure—Oh, look, girls!"</p> + +<p>Every head turned.</p> + +<p>A big red pung was coming toward them at top speed. It was crowded with +more boys than could be seated, and those who stood carried long poles. +From the top of each pole a broad, gayly colored streamer waved. As the +pung passed a big boy in the center shouted: "Three cheers for the +Glenmore girls!" and they were given with a will.</p> + +<p>"How do they know that we are Glenmore girls?" said Elf.</p> + +<p>"Three cheers for the 'What-you-call 'em' boys!" screamed Betty, and +even Ara<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>bella added a faint "Hurrah!" to the general clamor.</p> + +<p>Two of the boys produced a pair of cymbals, but while they were clashing +Betty brought forth a huge gong and nearly stunned those near her with +the noise that she made as with all her might she smote it.</p> + +<p>"Hoo<i>ray!</i>" shouted a small boy.</p> + +<p>"Hoo<i>raw!</i>" howled Valerie Dare, and no one could have decided which +laughed the harder, the pung-load of boys, or the lively girls in the +Glenmore sleigh.</p> + +<p>"Yo'-all behave like tomboys," commented Marcus. "Lor', but Mis' Marvin +would 'a' been some s'prised ef she'd been here ter hear ye carry on."</p> + +<p>"Well, if Miss Fenler had been here she'd have had forty fits," cried +Vera Vane, "but, Marcus, what they don't know won't worry them, and you +needn't tell them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And Marcus, you can forget all about the racket before you get home," +said Elf.</p> + +<p>"Shore, Miss, I's got a powerful short mem'ry. Gid 'ap!"</p> + +<p>"Dorothy Dainty cheered as loud as any of us," said Arabella +Correyville.</p> + +<p>"Well, why shouldn't she?" Patricia asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, she's always so—oh, I don't know,—correct, I guess is what I +meant to say," responded Arabella.</p> + +<p>"I like fun as well as any one does," said Dorothy who had overheard the +remark.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but Dorothy, you aren't even the least bit rude," declared Valerie.</p> + +<p>"It's not rude to cheer," Dorothy said with a laugh. "I think we were +very polite to return their salute."</p> + +<p>"Nancy Ferris cheered, too," said a girl who had been very quiet during +the hubbub.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + +<p>Nancy laughed.</p> + +<p>"I cheered because Dorothy did," she said, "but, Betty, how did you get +that gong in here without any one noticing it?"</p> + +<p>"It was under this long coat," said Betty, "and I'll tell you all how I +happened to bring it.</p> + +<p>"Monday, when I was down in the village, I met a boy that I know, and he +told me that over at the boys' private school in the next town they'd +heard about our sleigh-rides, and he told me that one of the boys, Bob +Chandler, had bought a pair of old cymbals at an antique shop. They were +planning their first sleigh-ride for the same day as ours, and they +thought we'd have no noise-maker with us. I meant to get even with them, +so I brought the big gong that hung in my room, and I guess we made as +much noise as they did. I've a number of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>curios that my uncle brought +home from abroad. Why didn't I think to bring along that funny little +horn? You could have tooted on that, Valerie."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm satisfied. We had noise enough," said Hilda Fenton.</p> + +<p>At that moment there was a commotion on the rear seat.</p> + +<p>Some one was twisting around so persistently that many were made quite +uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>Dorothy turned to see what it was all about. She laughed softly, and +touched Nancy's arm.</p> + +<p>"It's Arabella," whispered Dorothy.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and she's trying to put both shawls on at once," said Nancy.</p> + +<p>"Oh, quick! See what Patricia is doing."</p> + +<p>Completely out of patience with Ara<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>bella's wriggling, Patricia was +taking a vigorous hand.</p> + +<p>In a manner anything but gentle she was pulling the heavy shawls up +around Arabella's head and shoulders.</p> + +<p>Betty Chase said that she was "yanking" them, and the word, if not +elegant, was truthfully descriptive.</p> + +<p>"<i>Don't</i> knock my hat off!" whimpered Arabella.</p> + +<p>"I don't care what I do if only I get those old shawls onto you so +you'll sit still!" declared Patricia.</p> + +<p>When Arabella settled herself in her place she took a third more room +than before, and looked like a little old woman rolled up in many +<ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'bankets'">blankets</ins>.</p> + +<p>Arabella sat firm and immovable, staring through her spectacles. She did +not turn to the right or the left, and one would say <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>that she did not +know that the girls were laughing at her.</p> + +<p>"Don't you wish you had just one more shawl?" said Patricia.</p> + +<p>"Not if I had to have you put it on," drawled Arabella. "You shoved my +hat on one side of my head, and it's felt queer ever since."</p> + +<p>"How do you know that the hat has felt queer?" Valerie asked, smothering +a laugh.</p> + +<p>"I guess you'd feel queer if Patricia Levine had once taken hold of +you," was the quick response, and Valerie ceased teasing.</p> + +<p>"Dorothy knows a jolly sleighing song," said Nancy.</p> + +<p>"Sing it! Sing it!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, please sing it, Dorothy," clamored eager voices.</p> + +<p>"Sing it with me, Nancy," Dorothy said. "Your alto makes it fine."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>Their voices blended sweetly, and the melody floated out on the crisp +air, so that a tall, dark man left a wood road, and stood listening as +the sleigh sped past.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Over the ice and snow"> +<tr><td align='left'>"Over the ice and snow we fly,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Oh, but our steeds have wings!</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>And their hoofs keep time</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>With the glad bells chime,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>For sleigh bells are merry things,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Never a thought or care have we,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Lessons are laid aside,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>And we laugh and sing,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Adding mirth and din</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>To the joy of a winter's ride."</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>"Oh, don't stop!" cried an eager voice. "Isn't there another verse?"</p> + +<p>"There are two other verses," said Dorothy "but—I've forgotten them."</p> + +<p>"Then sing the one you do know. It's worth hearing again!"</p> + +<p>Again she sang it, as gayly as before, but for some reason, Nancy's +voice trembled, and Dorothy turned to glance at her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> + +<p>She saw that Nancy's cheeks were white, and her eyes wide as if with +fear. A moment before her cheeks had been rosy red where the sharp wind +had kissed them.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Nancy?" Dorothy whispered.</p> + +<p>Nancy shook her head, but the hand that held Dorothy's tightened with a +nervous grip.</p> + +<p>When the girls were once more chattering together, Nancy, leaning toward +Dorothy, whispered softly: "That dark man that stood near the woods +watching us as we passed,—did you see him?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes," whispered Dorothy, "but—" then she understood Nancy's fear. +"Why, Nancy dear, your old Uncle Steve, who stole you from us once, is +not living. Don't you remember that, and besides, that man didn't look +the least bit like him."</p> + +<p>"That man looked just like Bonfanti!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh,—oo," burst softly from Dorothy's lips, then she tried to comfort +Nancy. "But why should he be wandering through the woods here? You've +always said that he was a busy man, and once you heard him say that he +had never been out of New York City."</p> + +<p>"I know I did," Nancy said, "but I s'pose he <i>could</i> go somewhere else, +and oh, Dorothy that man looked just like him!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>THE LOST NECKLACE</h3> + + +<p>Nancy strove to be as gay as before. She told herself that the man +certainly looked just like the old ballet-master, Bonfanti, but that he +might have been a very different person. She did not wish the other +girls to know that she had been uneasy or frightened, and so busy had +they been in watching people whom they passed, laughing and talking, +that Nancy's fright had passed unnoticed by all save one, and that one +was Patricia Levine, Patricia, who seemed to see everything. She +delighted in seeing something not intended for her eyes, and then how +she would run to tell some one all about it!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> + +<p>Patricia had noticed Nancy's cheeks when they suddenly went white, she +had seen the look of fear in her eyes, and she was wild with curiosity +to know what it meant.</p> + +<p>When they had started out Nancy had thought that the ride could not last +too long, but the sight of the tall, dark man at the edge of the forest +had changed all that, and when Marcus drove in at the gateway of +Glenmore, and drew up at the steps, Nancy was the first to spring out. +Without stopping in the hall to talk over the ride with the others who +had enjoyed it, she bounded up the stairs, and soon was in her room.</p> + +<p>Vera stopped Dorothy to ask if Nancy was ill.</p> + +<p>"No, oh, no!" Dorothy answered, as she followed Nancy up the stairway.</p> + +<p>Vera's question, and Dorothy's hasty reply reached Patricia's ears.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'd like to know what it's all about," she whispered, "and I mean to +find out, no matter how long it takes me."</p> + +<p>It was strange how eagerly interested Patricia always was in anything +that did not concern her. She did not know that a newsmonger is never +respected, nor did she know that no girl whose nature was refined would +care to know other people's business. Nothing so delighted Patricia, as +a bit of news that she could, by hook or crook obtain, and the added joy +of running off to <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'repent'">repeat</ins> it, especially if she knew it should not be +repeated, was greater than she could have described.</p> + +<p>Dorothy, when she reached their room, found Nancy sitting upon a low +stool, her hands loosely clasped, her eyes downcast as if studying the +pattern of the rug.</p> + +<p>Dorothy closed the door, and then, tossing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>her wraps upon the couch, +sat down, Turkish fashion, on the rug beside her.</p> + +<p>"Now, Nancy," she said, "you're not to let that man you saw this +afternoon make you so uneasy. It couldn't have been Professor Bonfanti +who taught you to dance, and was so harsh with you. Why should he be out +here, walking through the woods at Glenmore? And even if really it had +been Bonfanti, why would you be so frightened? It was your old uncle who +stole you from us, and made you dance at the theaters to earn money for +him. Bonfanti just taught you because your old Uncle Steve hired him +to."</p> + +<p>"But Dorothy, you don't know how often he said, while he was training +me: 'Oh, if I had you in my hands, I could make you earn twice as much +as Ferris does!'</p> + +<p>"When he said that he would look as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>eager as if he really <i>saw</i> the +heaps of money that he thought he could make me earn for him.</p> + +<p>"I don't know which would be the worse to work for, Professor Bonfanti +or my old Uncle Steve, but this I <i>do</i> know: I hope no one will ever +take me away from you, Dorothy!"</p> + +<p>"And no one shall!" cried Dorothy, throwing her arms around Nancy, and +holding her fast.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't have been so frightened if it was just what I saw to-day, +but don't you know that just before we left the Stone House, I had a +dream of being stolen. I'd not thought of it for weeks, but—well, that +man <i>did</i> look like the ballet-master."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Patricia Levine had enjoyed the sleigh-ride. She had liked the clear, +bracing air; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>she had liked being included in the list made out by Mrs. +Marvin for the first ride of the season, but she had been annoyed by +Arabella.</p> + +<p>She stood drumming on the window-pane, and wondering how to begin the +lecture that she intended to give Arabella, that is, if Arabella would +<i>ever</i> get her wraps off, and sit down. She turned from the window.</p> + +<p>"Well, I never saw such a slowpoke!" she cried.</p> + +<p>Arabella blinked. Patricia thought she might as well begin, if she +wished to say all that was in her mind before dinner.</p> + +<p>"I certainly was provoked with you, Arabella, this afternoon. You looked +just umbrageous with all those coats and shawls on," said Patricia.</p> + +<p>"I looked what?" Arabella asked with a dull stare.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I <i>said</i> um-bra-geous!" cried Patricia.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what that word means," drawled Arabella.</p> + +<p>"Neither do I," said Patricia, "but I know that's the way you looked."</p> + +<p>"I can't unbutton this top button of my coat," remarked Arabella.</p> + +<p>Patricia jerked the button from the buttonhole, and continued:</p> + +<p>"How do you s'pose I like to have you act so queer, and then have the +girls call you my 'chum'?"</p> + +<p>Arabella instead of replying to the question remarked:</p> + +<p>"And the fringe on this shawl has caught on a hook on my dress so I +can't get it off."</p> + +<p>Patricia's eyes were blazing. She was so angry that she hardly knew what +she was saying.</p> + +<p>"The idea! You had on two coats and a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>sweater, and as if that wasn't +enough for any one girl to wear you went after two shawls. When you got +all those duds on you looked as big as an <i>elegant!</i>"</p> + +<p>"A <i>what!</i>" gasped Arabella.</p> + +<p>"I'm too tired to say it over again," said Patricia, who now knew that +she had made a funny error.</p> + +<p>"But," persisted Arabella, "you said I looked as—"</p> + +<p>It was no use to talk to the walls, and Patricia had rushed from the +room, banging the door behind her.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>There were weeks at Glenmore when everything went smoothly. Then there +would come a week when it certainly seemed as if every one were doing +her best to cause disturbance.</p> + +<p>Usually the fault might easily be traced <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>to the pupils, but there were +times when Miss Fenler seemed as contrary as the most perverse pupil. On +those days no one could please her.</p> + +<p>Dorothy had little difficulty, but Vera, Elf, Betty, and Valerie were +forever vexing her, and Patricia was never able to win her full +approval. As for Arabella Correyville, Miss Fenler did not understand +her, and Betty Chase said that "The Fender" fixed her sharp eyes upon +Arabella, and appeared to be studying her as if she were a very small, +but very peculiar bug that she was unable to classify.</p> + +<p>There was yet another pupil who puzzled her, and, for that matter, +puzzled the other pupils.</p> + +<p>She was an old-fashioned little girl, who was letter-perfect in all her +studies, but never brilliant, more quiet than any other <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>girl at +Glenmore, and so silent that one marveled that a little girl could be so +still. Always neatly, but very plainly dressed, she looked like a little +Puritan, and acted like one, as well.</p> + +<p>And what a name the child possessed! Patience Little, and she lived up +to it.</p> + +<p>"Do you think she'd jump if a fire-cracker went off behind her?" +questioned Valerie, one day.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed, she would not," said Elf, who stood near. "I don't believe +she would so much as turn around to look at it. She's spunkless."</p> + +<p>But they were mistaken.</p> + +<p>Among themselves they spoke of her as "Little Patience."</p> + +<p>Once Betty Chase told her that she knew a girl whose name was +"Patience," who was always called "Patty."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My family does not like nicknames," was the reply in a low voice, as +she turned away.</p> + +<p>The day after the sleigh-ride, Lina Danford, one of the youngest pupils, +came rushing down the stairway in great excitement.</p> + +<p>"My amber necklace has been stolen! Girls! Do you hear? My amber beads +are gone! Some one has been in my room and stolen them! Somebody ought +to catch the burglar!"</p> + +<p>Dorothy, standing near, put an arm around her, and tried to comfort her.</p> + +<p>"Don't say it is gone, Lina, dear! It may be just mislaid. If you like, +Nancy and I will go up with you, and help you hunt," but Lina was not +easily to be comforted.</p> + +<p>She insisted that the beads had been stolen, and that, therefore, it was +idle to search.</p> + +<p>Patience Little, for the first time, showed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>a bit of interest. She was +crossing the hall when Lina raced down the stairs, and she actually +paused to listen to what the little girl had to say. She said nothing, +and after a moment, she went up-stairs.</p> + +<p>She forgot to close her door, and going over to her dresser, opened its +upper drawer. From a velvet case she drew forth a smaller velvet case, +which, when she touched a clasp, sprang open, displaying a handsome +string of amber beads. She held them up so that the light might play +through them.</p> + +<p>"I never wear them," she said softly, "but I've liked looking at them. +Aunt Millicent gave them to me, and maybe I'd like to wear them +sometime, but," she continued, "I'll not be selfish and keep them for +<i>some time</i>. I'll give them to Lina, in place of those that she has +lost."</p> + +<p>Hurrying along the upper hall, Lina was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>surprised to see that the next +door that she would pass, stood open. She was about to pass it, when on +glancing toward it, she saw Patience standing before the glass, turning +this way and that so as to get a better light on the amber necklace that +she wore.</p> + +<p>With a little cry, Lina sprang into the room. Patience turned, and was +about to speak, but before she could say a word, Lina shouted:</p> + +<p>"That's my necklace! I <i>knew</i> somebody had taken it, but <i>I</i> never +dreamed it was a Glenmore girl who did it. I thought it was a burglar. +Give it to me this minute!"</p> + +<p>"This necklace is mine!" returned the accused girl excitedly.</p> + +<p>Her eyes flashed, she quivered with anger. No one would have believed +that the girl who always appeared calm, and rarely spoke, unless spoken +to, could show such fire.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> One could not guess how the scene would have +ended, but just at that moment a slight sound made both girls turn.</p> + +<p>There in the doorway stood Mrs. Marvin.</p> + +<p>"I am very sorry to see anything so rude, so unkind, and so unjust," she +said.</p> + +<p>"You were hopelessly rude to rush into another girl's room and accuse +her, even if she were at fault.</p> + +<p>"You were unkind, because you spoke as harshly as possible, and you were +unjust, because here in my hand I have your own amber beads that one of +the maids has just found.</p> + +<p>"You must apologize at once, ask Patience if she will forgive you, and +in your own room, try to think of some kind way to make amends."</p> + +<p>Lina was crying now.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><a name="necklace" id="necklace"></a><img src="./images/plate04.jpg" alt=""This necklace is mine!" returned the accused girl excitedly." title=""This necklace is mine!" returned the accused girl excitedly." /></div> +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">"This necklace is mine!" returned the accused girl excitedly.</span>—<a href='#Page_111'><i>Page 111.</i></a></div> + + +<p>"Oh, I'm so sorry. Why do I never think <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>before I say horrid things? +Forgive me, Patience, if you can. I'll gladly do anything for you."</p> + +<p>Then the surprise came.</p> + +<p>Patience, the silent, shy girl, threw her arms about the younger girl, +and held her close.</p> + +<p>"The necklace that I have on was given to me by Aunt Millicent. I've +never worn it. It is beautiful, but I like quiet colors. The showy +things are prettier for other girls, I think. I heard Lina say that she +had lost hers, and I was just thinking that I would give mine to her, +when she rushed in, and—I hadn't a chance to tell her. That's all," she +said simply.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I was worse even than I thought," cried Lina, "and to think, Mrs. +Marvin, that she was planning to give her necklace to me!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Promise me, Lina, that after this you will be less quick to accuse."</p> + +<p>"Indeed I will, and Patience, if you'll let me, I'd like to be your +friend."</p> + +<p>"I'm sometimes lonely. I need you, Lina," Patience said, gently.</p> + +<p>Lina never did anything by halves. She told her classmates how just at +the time that Patience had been planning to give her own necklace to +make up for Lina's loss, she had been harshly accused. She told how +sweetly forgiving Patience had been, and wound up by stating that +hereafter they were to be chums.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin, on the way to her own apartment, vaguely wondered what the +next happening would be.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if the entire week is to be a series of disturbances," she +thought. "To be sure, there are but two days more, Friday <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>and Saturday, +but I should not be surprised if some one started something, so as to +make the week complete."</p> + +<p>It certainly had been a record week for petty annoyances, and to cap the +climax on Friday, after lunch, Miss Fenler waited in the hall, near the +door that led from the dining-room. She felt that she must speak to +Patricia.</p> + +<p>As a rule pupils were, of course, permitted to dress as they chose, but +it seemed as if Patricia was actually trying to see how strange a rig +she could wear and yet go unreproved.</p> + +<p>On this day, she had done the oddest thing of all. She had tied her hair +on the crown of her head with a yellow ribbon. The ribbon was very wide, +and the bow was enormous. As if that were not enough she had taken +equally wide ribbon, of pink, and of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>blue, had tied a large bow of each +and then had pinned the pink bow to the right loop of the yellow bow, +the blue bow to the left loop, and when she entered the dining-room the +effect was, to say the least, <i>amazing!</i></p> + +<p>The bows were about eight inches wide. Really, Patricia was a droll +sight!</p> + +<p>Unless she were spoken to she would wear her freakish ribbons at the +afternoon session.</p> + +<p>When lunch was over, and the pupils came trooping out into the hall, +Miss Fenler spoke to Patricia. When they at last stood alone in one +corner of the hall, Miss Fenler mentioned the gaudy colors, and said +that while the girls were permitted to wear as bright ribbons as they +chose, they would certainly not be allowed to wear three huge bows at a +time.</p> + +<p>"The idea!" said Patricia. "Well, I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>guess I'll not agree to wear little +stingy-looking bows for any one."</p> + +<p>"You would obstruct the view of the large blackboard," said Miss Fenler. +"No one could see around your head."</p> + +<p>"I shall wear these bows I have on or none at all!" said Patricia.</p> + +<p>"Don't be obstinate," said Miss Fenler. "Mrs. Marvin told me to speak to +you."</p> + +<p>"Did <i>she</i> say I couldn't wear these big bows?" Patricia asked, her eyes +black with anger.</p> + +<p>"She certainly did," declared Miss Fenler.</p> + +<p>"Well, you can tell her I wear these or none at all," Patricia said, +stoutly.</p> + +<p>"None at all!" repeated Miss Fenler.</p> + +<p>"Don't attempt to come into the class-room with your long hair untidy. +Without a ribbon it would look slovenly."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> + +<p>Patricia's smile was broad, and her eyes actually impish as she left the +hall.</p> + +<p>"She's equal to pinning on a half-dozen extra bows if she chooses," Miss +Fenler said, under her breath.</p> + +<p>Glenmore, once a private estate, looked like an old castle, and the +dwellings that were its nearest neighbors were owned by old and wealthy +residents. No stores had ever broken the charm of the locality, and the +sleepy old town had supposed that they never would, yet around the +corner of a little back street, an enterprising Italian had purchased a +wee cottage. After three days a sign appeared in his front window. It +stunned the residents. It read:</p> + +<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Antonio Carana,<br /> +Barber and Hairdresser</span>.</div> + +<p>Already small boys and girls might be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>seen, in charge of maids, +trotting up his steps with long curls, and after a few minutes, +appearing with a "Dutch cut."</p> + +<p>Patricia, buttoning her coat as she ran, appeared at his door +breathless, but eager.</p> + +<p>"I want my hair bobbed, and I must have it done right off, or I'll be +late to school," she cried, rushing past the astonished Tony, and +mounting his big chair.</p> + +<p>"<i>Dutch cut!</i>" she demanded, thinking that he had not understood her.</p> + +<p>"Cutta da long hair?" he asked, lifting the strands.</p> + +<p>"Sure," cried Patricia, "What else would I want cut off? Certainly not +my <i>nose</i>."</p> + +<p>"Alla right," said Tony, but he thought it strange, and wondered if the +little girl's mother would appear at any moment, angry, and vengeful.</p> + +<p>Patricia's temper had been gradually <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>cooling, and now, as she saw the +long locks that Tony had clipped, she was desperately sorry that she had +come. It was half done, however, so she could not "back out." One does +not care to appear with the right side of one's head with short hair, +and the left side with hair half-way toward one's girdle!</p> + +<p>Patricia sighed, and allowed him to continue. What else could she do? +She had been proud of her hair, but when she saw herself in the mirror, +her vanity came to her aid.</p> + +<p>She had given up her fine head of hair, but look! Here was another +chance to make a sensation. Not a girl at school had her hair "bobbed."</p> + +<p>"Probably they'll tell me that only very little girls have their hair +like this, but I don't care. They'll be surprised, and it's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>the only +way I can go without ribbons, and I said I'd wear big bows or nothing."</p> + +<p>Of course the pupils stared when Patricia appeared in the class-room, +and that delighted her.</p> + +<p>"I guess my Dutch cut made more show than my ribbons would have," she +whispered.</p> + +<p>Making a show was about all that Patricia cared for, the only other +thing that she appeared to think worth while was meddling in other +people's affairs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>WHEN NANCY DANCED</h3> + + +<p>Mrs. Marvin decided to make the weekly socials very different from what +they had been.</p> + +<p>It had been her custom to hire musicians from the city to give a little +recital, and then serve light refreshments, and allow the latter part of +the evening to be spent in indoor games, or dancing.</p> + +<p>The social part of the evening was always enjoyed, but many of the +musicians, both vocal and instrumental, had given selections of so +strictly classical character that some of the pupils complained that +they did not care for it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> + +<p>She determined to ask three pupils to arrange a program for each +evening, each of the three being expected to take part in the +entertainment.</p> + +<p>One Monday morning she unfolded her plan, and announced that on Friday +of that week would occur the first social having a pupils' program.</p> + +<p>"I have asked Dorothy Dainty to take charge of the little recital, and I +believe we shall enjoy it."</p> + +<p>When the eager applause had subsided, Mrs. Marvin continued:</p> + +<p>"The girl in charge of the entertainment must not be annoyed with +questions as to the program because I wish the entertainment each week +to be a surprise.</p> + +<p>"Dorothy, herself must contribute one or two numbers, and I have +appointed Nancy Ferris, and Patricia Levine to help her."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> + +<p>The pupils were wild with curiosity as to what the numbers were to be, +but while a few hinted that they were eager to know just what they were +to hear and see, they did not ask Dorothy to tell them. They thought it +would be more fun to be surprised.</p> + +<p>Dorothy found herself in an awkward place.</p> + +<p>She had decided to sing a pretty waltz song, for which Nancy played the +accompaniment. Nancy had at first thought of playing a piano duet with +Dorothy, but Dorothy pointed out that a number of the girls, when it +came their turn to entertain, would surely play, and she urged Nancy to +do a fine solo dance.</p> + +<p>"It will be more of a treat," she urged, and Nancy agreed.</p> + +<p>Patricia declared that she had studied with a fine vocal instructor +since they had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>heard her, and she also stated that she would sing a +solo, or nothing.</p> + +<p>Patricia, when at Merrivale private school with Dorothy and Nancy, had +done some very funny singing, and Dorothy felt a bit nervous as to what +she would do now, but Patricia insisted that she had rapidly improved, +and there seemed to be no choice but to let her sing.</p> + +<p>"Do make her tell you what she's going to sing," Nancy said, one +morning, "because if she has chosen something you wouldn't like to have +her sing, you <i>might</i> be able to coax her to change it."</p> + +<p>Dorothy promised to question Patricia, but she laughed at the idea of +being able to make Patricia change her mind after she had decided what +she should do.</p> + +<p>"What am I to sing?" said Patricia, when at recess Dorothy questioned +her. "I'm <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>going to sing something from grand opera. It's called:</p> + +<div class="center">'I dreampt that I dwelt in marble halls,'<br /><br /></div> + +<div class='unindent'>and my teacher coached me on it, and he said I sang it just as it should +be sung."</div> + +<p>"If her teacher said that she sang it well, perhaps it will be all +right," Dorothy said, but even as she said it she wondered just what +Patricia would do. Patricia <i>might</i> do anything.</p> + +<p>Dorothy took the time to practice when all of the pupils were out of +doors at recess. She did not wish them to hear her song until she should +sing it for them at the social.</p> + +<p>Nancy practiced her solo at early morning. Mrs. Marvin had given her +permission to practice in their reception hall when she learned at what +an early hour Nancy was willing to rise in order to do it.</p> + +<p>Patricia declared it entirely needless for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>her to practice, thus making +Dorothy still more uneasy as to her performance.</p> + +<p>At last the evening arrived.</p> + +<p>Dorothy had told herself that if, after all, Patricia did anything as +"queer" as she had been known to do, worrying beforehand would not mend +matters. She knew if she became nervous regarding Patricia, she could +not do her own solo well. Patricia had asked that her number might be +the last on the program, and Dorothy had agreed.</p> + +<p>As Patricia usually wished to be first in anything, and was offended if +not given precedence, it certainly looked as if she were planning to +have her solo the crowning event of the evening.</p> + +<p>Soon after seven a buzz of voices told Dorothy that the pupils had +assembled early, and she would have joined them, but Mrs. Marvin had +said that each of the so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>loists must be announced, and must come onto +the stage, and greet her audience as if she were a professional.</p> + +<p>All had been carefully arranged, and Vera Vane was to announce each +performer.</p> + +<p>Dorothy had chosen a light-blue dress, her pumps and hose of the same +shade. The dress was charming, because of its lovely coloring, and its +graceful lines.</p> + +<p>Very clearly Vera announced:</p> + +<p>"The first number to-night will be a waltz song by Dorothy Dainty."</p> + +<p>Dorothy's voice had been carefully trained, and very sweetly she sang, +one especial charm being that every word could be clearly heard, which +is more than can be said of many singers who have studied for years.</p> + +<p>She had chosen "Asphodel's Song."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + +<p>How sweet was the voice, how happy her smile as she sang:</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Oh, how lovely are my flowers"> +<tr><td align='left'>"Oh, how lovely are my flowers</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>In the morning wet with dew,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Ah, they courtesy to the morning</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Off'ring gifts of fragrance new.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Then the sound of bird wings whirring</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Wake again the drowsy trees,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>And the tiny brooks are stirring,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Running onward to the sea.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Oh, how lovely are my flowers</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>When the twilight shadows creep,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Hosts of fairy folks come trooping,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Where my flowers lie asleep."</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Surely no singer was ever more graciously received.</p> + +<p>There were to be no encores because of limited time.</p> + +<p>Lights were usually out at nine-thirty, but the socials were from eight +to ten. The concert must be brief to allow sufficient time afterward for +games.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The next number will be a dance by Nancy Ferris."</p> + +<p>Nancy had stood in the upper hall, ready, when she heard her name called +to enter. Here and there a tiny spangle caught the light, and the soft +pink of her dress was repeated in her cheeks. She was happy. She was +going to give pleasure.</p> + +<p>As she heard her name called, she bounded down the stairway, across the +hall, and up on the stage, looking far smaller than in her usual school +dress. The pupils were spellbound.</p> + +<p>Nancy had said nothing of her dancing nor had she spoken of having been +a tiny performer at the theaters.</p> + +<p>Now as they saw her whirling on the tips of her toes, dipping, swaying, +doing steps of wondrous grace, they marveled at the skill with which she +did it. At home, at the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> Stone House, Dorothy had often played for her, +but to-night she seemed to out-do herself.</p> + +<p>Nancy swung forward, then with cunning steps retreated, crossed her feet +and did the pretty rocking-step, whirled again, and yet again, did the +pirouette to left, then to right, made a very low courtesy, and ran off +the stage, followed by tremendous clapping.</p> + +<p>How they wished that she might have repeated the lovely dance!</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin closely watched the nimble feet and determined to know +something more about the charming little dancer. And now—Dorothy +wondered <i>just what</i> the next number would be. She took a long breath +when, as Vera announced her, Patricia entered simply attired, wearing a +pretty white dress, with a pale yellow sash, no other color.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was remarkable to see Patricia without at least six colors.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she'll sing well," Dorothy said to herself, "for the lovely +song that she chose for her number <i>couldn't</i> be twisted into anything +funny."</p> + +<p>Was that really so, or was Dorothy trying to think so? Was there +anything that Patricia could not "twist" if she chose?</p> + +<p>The charming old song is very sweet when properly sung, and the words +fit the melody.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="I dreampt that I dwelt in marble halls"> +<tr><td align='left'>"I dreampt that I dwelt in marble halls,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>With vassals and serfs at my side,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>And of all who assembled within those walls,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>That I was the joy and the pride.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>I had riches too great to count, could boast</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Of a high ancestral name,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>But I also dreampt, and that charmed me most,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>That you loved me just the same."</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>So runs the first verse, but Patricia had never seen the music. She had +heard the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>song a number of times, and felt competent to sing it.</p> + +<p>Dorothy had asked her to practice it, then had offered to loan her the +music, but Patricia declared that she needed neither practice, nor the +use of the music.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure you know the words?" Nancy had asked.</p> + +<p>"Of course!" Patricia had said sharply.</p> + +<p>Nancy played the prelude, and Patricia sang. Sang with all her might, +one might say, but oh, the words as she sang them!</p> + +<p>She had caught them as they sounded, giving never a thought as to +whether they made sense.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="I dreampt that I dwelt in marble halls"> +<tr><td align='left'>"I dre-eampt that I dwe-e-lt in mar-ar-ble halls</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>With <i>vessels</i> and <i>safes</i> at my side.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>And of all who had stumbled within those walls</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>That I was the <i>joke</i>, and the <i>bride</i>,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>I had <i>witches</i> to <i>mate</i> and count, could boast</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Of a high and central name<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>But I also dreampt, and that jarred me most,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>That Jew loved me just the same."</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Was it strange that roars of laughter greeted the song? Even Mrs. +Marvin, a model of all that was well-bred, covered her eyes for a moment +with her handkerchief, but when she removed it, the eyes were twinkling +and it was evident that only her self-control kept her from laughing +aloud.</p> + +<p>Dorothy's first thought was for Patricia. She knew it must be dreadful +to be laughed at, and she was hoping that Patricia might not be too +badly hurt. She would draw her into the games later in the evening, and +thus cheer her.</p> + +<p>It happened that Patricia needed no cheering. She was disgusted, but not +hurt. She believed herself to be a very fine singer, and thought that +the only reason for laughter was that her audience was dull, so dull +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>indeed that her romantic selection had been mistaken for a comic song.</p> + +<p>"The idea of thinking that song funny enough to laugh at! Why it is not +a comic song at all. There's nothing funny about it!" she declared. "It +really doesn't pay to sing for folks here. They can't understand what +you are doing! The next time I sing, I'll sing for my friends in +N'York."</p> + +<p>Dorothy was puzzled for a second, then, as she saw that Patricia really +meant what she said, she was thankful that the laughter had not been +understood by the silly little singer.</p> + +<p>Patricia had actually thought that they were foolishly amused by the +song.</p> + +<p>It had been quite another thing that annoyed Patricia, and that was the +evident pleasure that Nancy's dancing had given, and on the day after +the social, she was vexed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>to have to hear the other girls talking about +it.</p> + +<p>"I'd think you never saw any one dance before," she said, when Betty +Chase said that Nancy's dancing was "simply lovely."</p> + +<p>"Well, I never did see a girl dance like that," said Betty.</p> + +<p>"Well, she <i>ought</i> to dance. She's had enough training, besides she used +to dance on the stage. Who couldn't dance if they had a chance like +that?"</p> + +<p>"A whole lot of people couldn't," said Betty, sharply. "<i>I</i> couldn't for +one, and I guess there are a few others."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean me?" Patricia asked, sharply, her eyes flashing.</p> + +<p>"I mean any one silly enough to say that Nancy's dancing was anything +but wonderful," Betty said, and she turned to Valerie, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>leaving Patricia +to talk to herself, or to no one, if she chose.</p> + +<p>Patricia had hoped to lessen interest in Nancy, but what she had said +had had an opposite effect.</p> + +<p>It had increased their already lively interest to such an extent that +many who had not yet met her were wild to know her, and those who +already were her friends were eager to question her as to her career. +They longed to hear all about her training, her first appearance at the +theater, and countless questions they wanted to ask her. Patricia had +made Nancy more popular than before.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>A BIT OF SPITE</h3> + + +<p>For several days Patricia was so busy thinking, that Arabella felt +rather lonely. Arabella had been writing a letter to her Aunt Matilda, +and endeavoring to answer all the questions that that peculiar woman had +asked. It had occupied her spare time for two days, and was not yet +ready to mail.</p> + +<p>"O dear!" sighed Arabella, "I don't like to write letters."</p> + +<p>"Don't write them," Patricia advised.</p> + +<p>"Why, Patricia Levine! You know if I didn't answer Aunt Matilda's letter +she'd pack her suit-case, and come right here!"</p> + +<p>"Good gracious! Hurry up and finish <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>it," cried Patricia. "I wouldn't +want her coming here."</p> + +<p>"I've got a cold, so I couldn't go out to mail it," drawled Arabella.</p> + +<p>"Don't let that stop you," cried Patricia, "for I'll gladly go out to +mail it for you, if it'll keep your Aunt Matilda away."</p> + +<p>Later, when Patricia went down the hall on the way to post the letter, +she saw that Dorothy's door was slightly ajar. Of course Patricia's +sharp eyes saw it, and, because she never could resist the temptation to +listen, where she might hear something not intended for her ears, she +paused.</p> + +<p>Nancy was speaking of the man that she had seen standing at the edge of +the forest, on the day of the sleigh-ride. Again she told Dorothy how it +had frightened her, adding:</p> + +<p>"He looked just like Bonfanti, the ballet-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>teacher, and I believe if I +should look from our window and see him out there, looking toward this +house, I'd not dare to go out for days."</p> + +<p>Dorothy tried to comfort her, by saying:</p> + +<p>"But, Nancy dear, we've <i>not</i> seen him since that day, and he's miles +away from here by this time, as likely as not."</p> + +<p>Patricia needed to hear no more. She could not make Nancy less popular, +but here was a fine chance for annoying her.</p> + +<p>It was strange what pleasure it afforded Patricia to make others +unhappy! She never seemed to know that in striving to annoy others, she +was constantly proving that she herself was disagreeable.</p> + +<p>She hastened out to the nearest mail box with the letter, and then +returning to her room, sat down to think.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I wish you'd talk," said Arabella. "It's awful dull this cloudy +afternoon."</p> + +<p>Patricia was in no mood for talking, and Arabella dared not insist.</p> + +<p>It was after dinner when the pupils met in the cheery reception-hall for +a little chat before going to their rooms, that Patricia saw her chance, +and took it.</p> + +<p>Some one asked Nancy if she and Dorothy had been out for their usual +walk.</p> + +<p>"It seemed a bit raw," she replied, "so we remained in."</p> + +<p>Patricia, who had been moving nearer, now stood at Nancy's elbow.</p> + +<p>"Did you notice a big, dark man, this morning looking up toward your +window?" she asked: "Do you know who he is? We saw him the day of the +sleigh-ride, and that was weeks ago. I believe he is always right +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>around here, for I don't know how many times I have seen him. He always +simply <i>stares</i> toward your windows. I thought perhaps you knew him."</p> + +<p>Nancy turned pale, and Mrs. Marvin, who was near them, saw Dorothy draw +Nancy closer as if to protect her.</p> + +<p>"Is Nancy ill?" she asked kindly.</p> + +<p>Patricia had left the hall when she saw Mrs. Marvin speaking to Dorothy.</p> + +<p>Dorothy explained how frightened Nancy had been ever since the +sleigh-ride, a few weeks before.</p> + +<p>"Come into my apartment and tell me all about this. I am greatly +interested," she said.</p> + +<p>They were only too glad to escape the curious eyes that now were +watching them, and together they told Mrs. Marvin the story of Nancy's +career. When they reached the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>point where Patricia had told them of the +man who had stood looking up at their windows that afternoon, a look of +relief passed over her face, and she actually laughed.</p> + +<p>"You two dear little friends may rest easy to-night," she said, "for the +man whom you saw at the edge of the woods, and the man who was here +to-day, looking up at your windows, as Patricia said, are one and the +same person. He is a man who has made a study of all plant life, and +especially wise is he in regard to vines and trees.</p> + +<p>"To-day he was trying to decide just what sort of vine would thrive best +on this sunny side of the house. His name is not nearly so picturesque +as Bonfanti. It is Jonathan Scroggs. Not a fine name, surely, but his +name has never hindered him in his profession. He is one of the best +florists in the country, he knows all about beautiful vines <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>and trees, +and he is also a landscape gardener. He can take a plain little cottage, +with a small piece of land, and plant just the right kind of trees on +the place, train vines over the porch so as to render it charming, and +make the bit of land into a tiny park, so dainty, so altogether lovely +that people will come from far and near to see the 'beauty spot.' Now do +you care in the least what his name is?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed I do not," Dorothy said, firmly.</p> + +<p>"And oh, how glad I am that he is not Professor Bonfanti!" Nancy said. +"It was silly to be so frightened, but if only you knew how hard those +months were when he was training me, and old Uncle Steve was threatening +all sorts of things if I did not dance well! You see, I was really ill +with fear, and homesickness, and Uncle Steve did not seem to see that +the more he threatened, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>the more ill I became. Oh, if I should talk all +day, I could not tell you half the misery of those days. Only yesterday +one of the girls said that she would not have minded any of the harsh +things if only she could have danced on the stage. That is what she +thinks, but she doesn't know!"</p> + +<p>"Well, Nancy, to-day you are nervous and tired, but I have quieted all +your fears, and assured you that you are safe here at Glenmore. Some day +when we can arrange it, I would enjoy hearing more of your little +career."</p> + +<p>"And I'd be willing to tell you, Mrs. Marvin; you've been so kind, and +you've comforted me. I shall sleep to-night without any horrid dreams."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin felt that Patricia had really intended to frighten Nancy, +and she decided to have a quiet little talk with her, and if <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>possible, +learn what had prompted her to do so unkind a thing.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>It was an odd combination that "Glenmore," one of the best of schools +for girls in the country, modern in every respect, and absolutely +"up-to-date," should be situated in a town that was quaint, and +picturesque, with inhabitants as fanciful, and superstitious as one +would find if he had traveled back a century.</p> + +<p>True, there were residents who had recently come to the place for a +summer home, but the old people of the place clung to their old time +superstitions, their firm belief in "signs," their legends handed down +from one generation to another, and the newcomers humored them, listened +to their "yarns," and asked to hear more. Many of these stories were +quite as interesting as any <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>folk tales, and none could tell them with +finer effect than old Cornelia Derby.</p> + +<p>It was Marcus who had pointed her out to several of the girls who, one +morning, chanced to be standing near the gate as the old woman came up +the street.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Marcus, do you really mean that she can tell all sorts of quaint +stories about this old town?" cried Betty Chase.</p> + +<p>"I sure does," said Marcus, "and 'nuffin' pleases her like gittin' a +chance ter tell 'em ter folks as is willin' ter listen."</p> + +<p>"Now, Valerie," said Betty, turning to her chum, "let's get her to tell +us some of the stories she knows about the fine old houses, and the +people that once lived in them."</p> + +<p>"Fine!" cried Valerie, "but where would we find her?"</p> + +<p>"She lives in a little old hut, 'round behin' the hill over there!" said +Marcus, "an'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> all yo' has ter do is ter go up dis street, an' yo'll sure +spot it, long 'fore yo' reach it, 'cause the top half er dat hut is red, +an' the bottom half is whitewash. It sure looks mighty quare!"</p> + +<p>"Let's take a walk over there to-morrow, when our lessons are prepared," +said Valerie, "but," she added, "I hope we find it."</p> + +<p>"Yo' couldn't miss it," said Marcus, "for all yo' has ter do is ter go +up dis street, an' turn ter yo' left, den go a piece, an' turn ter yo' +right, an' walk 'til yo' come ter a big yaller house, an' dat's 'bout +half-way. Nex' yo' cross a field, skip over de place where de brook is +in summer an' come ter a piece er wall, stone wall, 'tis, an' it don't +seem ter b'long ter no place 'tall, an' de hut is jes' a little ways +beyond."</p> + +<p>The sound of a bell sent them hurrying toward the house.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you expect to remember all that?" Valerie asked on the way to the +class-room.</p> + +<p>"If you do you'll be a wonder. I've forgotten it now."</p> + +<p>Betty nodded confidently.</p> + +<p>"We'll go over there to-morrow," she said.</p> + +<p>The next afternoon, Betty helped Valerie with some puzzling problems +that must be solved before starting out.</p> + +<p>Then with confidence on Betty's part, and much doubt in Valerie's mind +as to their ability to find the hut, they set off on the long walk. +After twice enquiring of people whom they met, of taking a long walk in +the wrong direction, and retracing their steps, they finally espied the +piece of stone wall that seemed to belong to "no place at all," as +Marcus had said.</p> + +<p>Glad to rest, they paused there to look <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>about them, and to wait for +Vera and Elf, who had promised to meet them. Neither was in sight, +although they had said that they would be prompt. Snow and ice had fled, +and now everywhere were signs of spring. Vera had declared that the long +walk was what she needed, and Elf had said that she would endure the +walk for the sake of hearing the quaint stories of the town and its +people that old Cornelia would tell.</p> + +<p>At the end of the wall Betty and Valerie waited.</p> + +<p>"I'd not wait much longer," Valerie said.</p> + +<p>"I surely will <i>not!</i>" Betty replied, "for if they are coming, they'll +be here in a few minutes."</p> + +<p>It was evident that the two girls had, for some reason, been detained, +and Betty determined to wait no longer.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><a name="wall" id="wall"></a><img src="./images/plate05.jpg" alt="At the end of the wall Betty and Valerie waited." title="At the end of the wall Betty and Valerie waited." /></div> +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">At the end of the wall Betty and Valerie waited.</span>—<a href='#Page_150'><i>Page 150.</i></a></div> + +<p>"Come!" she cried. "We'll go on now to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>the little hut, and if Vera +and Elf come poking along a half-hour later, they can just sit on this +wall, and see if they enjoy waiting as well as we did."</p> + +<p>It was but a short distance, and they ran part of the way to make up for +lost time, but when they reached the gate they found, as Valerie glanced +at her tiny watch, that it was later than they thought, and was already +about time for them to turn toward Glenmore, if they did not wish to be +late.</p> + +<p>Hours were strictly kept at the school, and all pupils must return from +recreation in time to give themselves personal care, and be in the lower +hall at five-thirty for a friendly chat before going to the dining-room +at six.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin insisted that every pupil look her best at all times.</p> + +<p>It was now four o'clock. It would take a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>half-hour to reach Glenmore. +That meant that not more than a half-hour could be spent at the hut.</p> + +<p>There was no answer to their repeated knocking, but as they turned to go +they saw old Cornelia coming toward them along the road, a big basket on +her arm.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, two fine little callers I find waiting for me," she said. +"And what can I do for you?"</p> + +<p>"We wanted you to tell us all about some of the old buildings and the +interesting stories about the people who lived in them," said Betty, +"but it's so late now that I don't believe there's time. We have to be +back at Glenmore at five."</p> + +<p>"Then sit right down here on my garden-seat and I'll tell you the +shortest tale I know, and some other day if you come when you have more +time I'll tell you more."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, that will be fine!" they cried, as with one voice.</p> + +<p>"How would you like to hear about the wishing-well?"</p> + +<p>"That sounds <i>great!</i>" declared Betty and then: "Could you begin it with +'Once upon a time?'"</p> + +<p>"Surely," was the quick response, "and now I think of it, I'm sure you +must have passed the old wishing-well on your way here. The old well was +supposed to have magic power, and long ago when the old Paxton House was +standing, people came, for miles around, to be near the old well in the +garden, and wish for their heart's desire, feeling sure that their wish +would be granted.</p> + +<p>"Of course the idea was absurd, but the townspeople of those days were +superstitious, so that if those things that they wished <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>for beside the +well never came to them, they thought that they must have forgotten to +ask for them in the right way, and later they would try again.</p> + +<p>"If they obtained the thing that they had wished for, they laid their +good fortune entirely to the fact that the old well must have approved +of them."</p> + +<p>"And where is it!" Valerie asked. "You said that we must have passed +it."</p> + +<p>"The old well has a flat wooden cover over it now, with an iron bar to +keep it in place, lest some one be careless and fall in, though now the +wild blackberry vines have nearly hidden it from sight. Even now when +only young leaves are on the brambles, the thorny stems make a network +over the cover. The old Paxton House was gone before my time," Mrs. +Derby said, "but a part of its fine wall <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>remains. It was upon that wall +that the wishers sat.</p> + +<p>"Did you happen to notice a fine piece of wall that seemed to belong to +no one at all, and ended in a broad field?"</p> + +<p>"The idea!" cried Betty. "Why we <i>sat</i> on that piece of wall, and could +have 'wished' just as well as not, if only we'd known it."</p> + +<p>"And it's almost half-past four now," said Valerie. "S'pose we run along +toward Glenmore, and stop just long enough to sit on the wall and wish. +We can be on time at five, if we do that. Then we could come over some +day when we've more time, and hear all about the well, and other +stories, too."</p> + +<p>It was a good idea, because it was already so late that they could +remain but a few moments longer, so with an urgent invitation to come +again, and a promise to do so, they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>ran back to the old wall, looking +back to wave their hands to the little woman who waved in return.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>THE WISHING-WELL</h3> + + +<p>"Isn't it funny to think that we stopped at the very place to wish, and +never knew it?" said Valerie, as they ran along the foot path that would +take them back, the shortest way to the wall, and the wishing-well.</p> + +<p>"Not so 'funny' as that we'd take so much time and trouble to wish when +we get there," said Betty.</p> + +<p>"Why is it odd?" Valerie asked, stopping squarely in front of Betty, and +looking at her with round eyes.</p> + +<p>"Oh, because we're acting exactly as if we believed in the old well," +Betty said, looking <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>a bit annoyed, yet keeping straight on toward the +wall.</p> + +<p>"Well, of course we're not so silly as to <i>really</i> and <i>truly</i> believe +it could grant our wishes, but it's no harm to try," responded Valerie.</p> + +<p>Betty laughed.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Oh, we don't believe it all,"> +<tr><td align='left'>"Oh, we don't believe it all,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Yet we <i>must</i> believe a little</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>We <i>b'lieve</i> the water boils</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>When the steam comes from the <i>kittle</i>.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>"It's dark inside the drum,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Yet we hear the drumming well,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>But that we wished beside the wall</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>We'll never, never tell."</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>"Where did you hear those verses?" Valerie asked.</p> + +<p>"That's a funny song my brother sings. I made the second verse to fit +to-day."</p> + +<p>"Why, Betty Chase! Who'd think you could make poetry?" cried Valerie, +looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> Betty over, as if it were the first time she had ever seen her.</p> + +<p>Betty laughed gayly.</p> + +<p>"I guess Mrs. Marvin would tell you it wasn't poetry. Don't you remember +she told us the other day that many people could write verses, but that +verses were not always <i>poetry?</i>"</p> + +<p>"Well, all the same, I like the funny verses," Valerie said, "and here +we are at the wall again."</p> + +<p>"And here's luck to us, and our wishing!" cried Betty.</p> + +<p>She sprang up on the wall beside Valerie, and for a moment the two sat +thinking.</p> + +<p>It was Valerie who first spoke.</p> + +<p>"I've been trying to think what to wish for," she said, "and now all at +once I know. Mother told me to work hard this year, so as to stand high +in my class, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> Aunt Phyllis said if I could finish in June with +ninety per cent. average she'd give me a beautiful ring. Yes, that's +what I'll wish for by the old well, and after I've wished it, I'll work +harder than ever so that my wish will come true. Well, why do you +laugh?" she asked, looking not only amazed, but rather vexed at Betty, +who could not stop laughing even when she saw that Valerie was far from +thinking it a joke.</p> + +<p>"Well, what have I said that is so awfully funny?" she asked sharply.</p> + +<p>"Don't be provoked, Valerie," Betty said, but her shoulders shook +although she tried to check her laughter.</p> + +<p>"I was only thinking," she continued, "how generous you were to help the +old well out so nicely. Just as soon as you've wished, you'll start +right out to work hard enough to just <i>make</i> the wish come true, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>well +or no well, and I do believe, if your aunt gives you the ring, you'll +forget how hard you worked, and you'll be saying: 'I do more than half +believe in the wishing-well!'"</p> + +<p>Valerie was never long angry, and she laughed as she answered:</p> + +<p>"Well, Miss Wise-one, are you going to wish, and then sit back and wait +to see if it 'comes true'?"</p> + +<p>"I'll wish just for fun, but I don't believe what she said about the old +well any more than you do, Valerie Dare. We'd be silly to even think +that an old well had any power to grant wishes," Betty said, but Valerie +laughed again.</p> + +<p>"Then why did we bother to sit on this wall and wish?" she said.</p> + +<p>"We might just as well wish while we're waiting along the road."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Come on!" cried Betty. "You wished on the wall beside the well, and +I'll wish as we walk along, and we'll see which gets what she wished +for."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed Valerie, "but I <i>do</i> hope you'll get yours, Betty."</p> + +<p>"I'm as likely to, as if I'd kept sitting by the well," Betty said, "for +I wish for what just <i>couldn't</i> happen."</p> + +<p>"Why Betty Chase! Why don't you wish for something that you've a +<i>chance</i> of getting," said Valerie, stopping squarely in front of Betty.</p> + +<p>"Because I have everything I want but one thing," was the quiet reply.</p> + +<p>"And that one thing is—what?" queried Valerie.</p> + +<p>"I love Dorothy Dainty, and I don't want to say 'good-by' to her when +school closes. I'd like to be where she is this summer, but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>that +<i>couldn't</i> be. You see our summer home is lovely, and we go there every +year. Father and mother like the country better than the shore, but I +like the beach, and the water best. Dorothy and Nancy will go home to +Merrivale, but whether they spend the summer there, or go away to some +other place, it won't make much difference to me. It's not likely to +happen that they'll come to the quiet little town where we are to spend +the summer."</p> + +<p>Betty's merry face now wore such a sober expression that Valerie said:</p> + +<p>"Well, I still say I wish you'd wanted something that really could +happen."</p> + +<p>At that moment some one appeared just around a bend of the road, some +one wearing the gayest of colors, and with her a little old-fashioned +figure in a dark brown dress.</p> + +<p>"Look! Patricia and Arabella are com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>ing this way, and they look as if +they were planning something great. Just see how close together their +heads are! I don't know Arabella very well, but when Patricia is 'up to' +anything, it's pretty sure to be mischief."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know," Valerie. "It's just as likely to be some way she's +planning for a chance to show off."</p> + +<p>Betty laughed.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear Vera Vane telling about the afternoon that Patricia +knocked at her door, and said that she had come to 'make a call'?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't hear that," said Valerie. "What did she do?"</p> + +<p>"She was wearing all the rings and bangles that she owned, and in her +hand was a card-case, just as if she were grown up. She sat on the tip +edge of her chair, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>she kept taking out her handkerchief, and +shaking it because it was drenched with perfumery, and when she went, +she emptied the card-case on the table, and Vera counted the cards. Say, +Patricia had left <i>fifty</i>. Wasn't that funny?"</p> + +<p>"Hush—sh!" breathed Valerie, "she might hear you."</p> + +<p>Patricia rushed forward, while Arabella, as usual, hung back, preferring +to stare at Betty and Valerie through her spectacles, rather than have a +little chat.</p> + +<p>She wanted to watch their faces, and see if they were greatly surprised +with the news that Patricia had to tell.</p> + +<p>"Guess where we're going!" Patricia cried, "but you couldn't guess, so +I'll tell you. We're going over to the well, the one that's called the +wishing-well," she explained, "and we mustn't tell what we mean <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>to wish +for, 'cause if you tell, you wouldn't get your wish. Did you know that?"</p> + +<p>Betty said that she had not heard that.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you to-morrow just how to find it, but we can't stop now. +There isn't time."</p> + +<p>"Late!" cried Valerie. "I guess you two are late. We think we have to +hurry to get to Glenmore on time, and you are going away from school +every minute. Why don't you go to the well, if you want to, to-morrow."</p> + +<p>Arabella thought that they ought to turn back, but Patricia seized her +hand, and the two commenced to run.</p> + +<p>"They'll be a half-hour late," said Valerie, looking after the flying +figures.</p> + +<p>"And 'The Fender' will be waiting for a chance to scold them when they +come in," said Betty.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> + +<p>As they pushed the gate open, they saw a little figure disappearing +around the corner of the house.</p> + +<p>"That was Ida Mayo," said Valerie.</p> + +<p>"I didn't see her face. Are you sure it was Ida?" Betty asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it was Ida," Valerie answered, "and I do wonder why she stays in +her room all the time. If she happens to come down when the girls are +out, she runs, the moment she sees any of us coming."</p> + +<p>"It's a long time ago that she was sick," Betty replied, "but she must +be all right by this time. I wonder why she ran when she saw us? We +don't know her well enough to stop her to talk. She's bigger than we +are, and she's three classes above us."</p> + +<p>"Who told you she stayed in her own room all the time?" continued Betty.</p> + +<p>"Patricia Levine said so," Valerie said.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, Valerie Dare, you know Patricia tells—well—things that aren't +<i>really</i> true," said Betty.</p> + +<p>"Well, we don't see Ida, now, as we used to," Valerie said.</p> + +<p>"That might just happen," said Betty.</p> + +<p>It happened that what Patricia had said was true.</p> + +<p>The so-called "beautifier" had injured the skin so severely that it +required time to heal it.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin had said that Ida was feeling far from well, which was true.</p> + +<p>Her vanity had prompted her to do a foolish thing, and she had suffered +for it, both because of her painful face, and because in her +nervousness, she had cried until completely tired out.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin had talked with her kindly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>and wisely, she had let old Judy +take her meals up to her room, and she had personally given her private +instruction, for she pitied the silly girl, and sought to keep curious +ones from annoying her.</p> + +<p>Ida had hastened away when she had seen the two younger girls coming +because there still were traces on her cheeks of the burning caused by +the patent "beautifier," and she seemed more afraid of the comments of +the younger girls, than of her own classmates.</p> + +<p>As the two girls entered the hall they saw that the tall clock marked +the time as quarter-past five.</p> + +<p>"Fifteen minutes to fix up just a bit," said Betty. "Come on!"</p> + +<p>They raced up the stairs and soon reached their room.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> + +<p>Valerie was ready first, because Betty had found a letter waiting for +her, and promptly sat down to read it.</p> + +<p>"You'd better not stop to read it," cautioned Valerie, "for when we came +in we had only fifteen minutes to—"</p> + +<p>But just then Betty gave a little cry of delight.</p> + +<p>"Oh-oo! Just listen to this!" she cried. "Father says we are to go to +the shore this summer just for a change, and already he has rented the +summer place." She clapped her hands, and laughed with sheer happiness.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that to-night. I do believe I'll dream about +it," she said.</p> + +<p>The half-hour for social chat was over, and dinner was half through when +Patricia and Arabella entered the dining-room.</p> + +<p>All eyes were turned upon them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<p>Patricia held her chin very high, and looked as if she were thinking: "I +know I'm late, but what of that?" She was assuming a boldness that she +did not feel, whereas Arabella was absolutely natural. She felt +frightened, and looked—just as she felt.</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't you like to know what they wished?" whispered Valerie, to +which Betty whispered in reply:</p> + +<p>"I'd like to know, but they wouldn't tell us."</p> + +<p>It was a fixed rule at Glenmore that the pupils must be present at the +social half-hour, and then be sure of being prompt at six, the dinner +hour. Patricia and Arabella were the first to break that rule.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>There was to be a week's vacation, and all but four of the pupils were +to spend it at home.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> + +<p>They were Patricia and Arabella, Dorothy, and Nancy.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dainty and Aunt Charlotte were still traveling, and Mrs. Vane had +asked Vera to bring Dorothy and Nancy home with her for the week. +Already they had planned enough pleasure to last a month, and Vera was +still racking her busy brain to think of other things that they might +do.</p> + +<p>The pupils were welcome to remain at Glenmore if they wished, and +Patricia had decided that that was just what she would do.</p> + +<p>Arabella had hesitated. She was fond of her father, and she had intended +to go home for the week, but Patricia had declared that they would stay +at Glenmore, and Arabella was no match for Patricia, so it was settled +that they would remain at the school.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> + +<p>The week at Vera's home opened charmingly.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Vane had given the week over to Vera and her three little guests.</p> + +<p>"It isn't quite a week," she said when she greeted them, "for you have +arrived Monday afternoon, and you must leave Saturday morning. That +gives us Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and we must make each +day delightful."</p> + +<p>"It always is delightful here," said Dorothy, "and it seemed so good to +come to you when mother was away."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Vane drew Dorothy closer. She knew that at heart, sweet Dorothy was +a bit homesick.</p> + +<p>"We'll have a pleasant little home evening with music and games," she +said, "and you'll all feel rested by to-morrow. I'll not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>tell what I've +in store for to-morrow. That is a secret," she said.</p> + +<p>Of course Vera coaxed, and the others tried to guess, but Mrs. Vane +remained firm, only laughing as their guessing grew wilder.</p> + +<p>"Mother truly can keep a secret, but I can't," said Vera. "I mean to +keep it but first thing I know, I'm telling it."</p> + +<p>"We all know that," said Elf, and Vera joined in the laughter of the +others.</p> + +<p>Tuesday was fair, and Mrs. Vane, at lunch looked at the four bright +faces before her, Vera, a small copy of herself; Elf, whose mischievous +face was truly elfish; Nancy, whose gypsy beauty always pleased, and +Dorothy, blue-eyed, fair-haired, whose lovable disposition shone from +her eyes, and made her sweet to look upon.</p> + +<p>"We shall take a trip to Fairy-land this <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>afternoon," she said, "and +must start directly after lunch."</p> + +<p>That was all that she would tell, and as they motored up one busy +street, and down another, she enjoyed watching their eager faces, and +listening to their chatter.</p> + +<p>Fairy-land proved to be a wonderful play, depicting Elf-land with +fairies, water nymphs, elves and witches, goblins, and gnomes, with +exquisite scenery, beautiful costumes, and graceful dancing that held +them entranced, from the time that the curtain went up until the grand +march of the fairies at the finale.</p> + +<p>The "grown-ups" in the audience were delighted, so it was not strange +that Mrs. Vane's party was spellbound.</p> + +<p>Of them all, Nancy best understood the perfect art of the dancing. She +had been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>drilled in those dainty steps, and she saw how cleverly each +did her part.</p> + +<p>It was an afternoon of enchantment, and when the play was over, the gay +little party howled along the broad thoroughfare toward home and they +talked of the beautiful fairy play, and the graceful girls who had +danced as nymphs.</p> + +<p>The four days passed so quickly that when Saturday dawned, it seemed +hardly possible that it was time to return to Glenmore.</p> + +<p>There had been a wonderful exhibition of paintings for Wednesday, a huge +fair for Thursday at which Mrs. Vane bought a lovely gift for each as a +souvenir.</p> + +<p>Thursday they had motored out beyond the city where willows were showing +their misty green, and gay little crocus beds were in bloom. They had +stopped for lunch at a pretty restaurant that looked for all the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>world +like a rustic cottage, and then had returned to find Rob Vane waiting to +greet them, as they drew up to the house.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" he called to them before they had alighted.</p> + +<p>"How is this, that a fellow gets a week's vacation, and comes home from +school to find only servants to greet him?"</p> + +<p>"Why, Robert, I am glad enough to have you home for a week. I thought +you were to stay at school for extra coaching?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I wrote in my last letter," said Rob, "but I passed exams. +with flying colors. I was nervous, and feared I wasn't prepared, but +say! I was needlessly scared, for I not only 'passed,' but snatched the +prize for mathematics."</p> + +<p>"I am proud of you, Robert, and your father will be pleased," Mrs. Vane +said, her fine eyes shining.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I'm proud of you, Rob," cried Vera, rushing at him, and clasping +her arms about him.</p> + +<p>"Hi, Pussy Weather-vane, it's good to have a little sister," said Rob, +swinging her around until she was dizzy.</p> + +<p>"Are you glad to see me, too?" he asked, laughing at her flushed cheeks, +and touzled, flaxen hair.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Rob! <i>So</i> glad, even if you do shake me up until I look wild," Vera +said, clinging to his arm, and dragging him toward the little guests.</p> + +<p>"I dare to say he's the best brother in the world because neither one of +you has a brother, so you won't be offended."</p> + +<p>"Spare my blushes, Vera," cried Rob. "Say, girls, I'm mighty glad to see +you. How long are you to stay? A week?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We are going back to Glenmore Saturday," Dorothy said, "and we start at +nine in the morning. There is no one at the Stone House but the +servants, and it was so lovely to come home with Vera."</p> + +<p>"It surely was the best thing that you could do," Rob replied earnestly, +for he knew by a slight quiver in her voice that Dorothy was a bit +homesick.</p> + +<p>Nancy heard the odd little quiver when Dorothy was speaking, and she +hastened to speak of cheery things.</p> + +<p>"We've had just the dearest visit, and we've been to the theater, to a +big fair, to see a hall hung with beautiful pictures, and how we have +enjoyed it all!" she said.</p> + +<p>"I'll do the entertaining to-morrow," said <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Bob'">Rob</ins>. "I'll take you all to +see something that will be no end of fun."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What will it be, Rob?" Vera asked, but Rob tweaked her curls, and +laughed.</p> + +<p>"That's my secret," he said, and they had to be satisfied with that.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>A LIVELY WEEK</h3> + + +<p>Dorothy woke very early the next morning, and turned to look at Nancy, +to find that Nancy was looking straight at her. They both laughed.</p> + +<p>"I was wondering if you were awake," Nancy said.</p> + +<p>"I turned to look at you, Nancy, to see if your eyes were open," Dorothy +said. "I was going to ask you if you knew that Patricia and Arabella +were spending the week at Glenmore."</p> + +<p>"I knew it, because when I told Patricia that we were to spend the week +at Vera's home, she looked, for just a second, as if <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>she were provoked +because she had not been invited, too. Then she hurried to say that +she'd rather stay at Glenmore. That Arabella was to stay, too, and that +she thought they would have a finer time than we."</p> + +<p>"I wonder how they amused themselves," Dorothy said. "Glenmore would be +so quiet with all the girls away."</p> + +<p>"And Miss Fenler would have all the time to watch them, with none of the +other pupils to care for," responded Nancy.</p> + +<p>"Dorothy, Nancy! Come down so I can tell you something!" called Vera.</p> + +<p>They heard Mrs. Vane say gently:</p> + +<p>"Don't hurry them, Vera."</p> + +<p>They were half-way down the stairs, however, and in the lower hall they +saw Elf, already up, because she had shared Vera's room, and Vera had +awakened her.</p> + +<p>"Rob has told me! Rob has told me!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> Vera said, dancing around Dorothy +and Nancy. "Bob has told me, and I couldn't wait to tell you. He's going +to take us out into the country to our summer place, and there we'll go +to a little country circus! Won't that be great? He came home just in +time."</p> + +<p>"That will be great fun," said Dorothy, "and after we've seen it, we can +talk it over, all the way back."</p> + +<p>"Let's get ready now!" cried Vera.</p> + +<p>"Why, Vera! It is only eight o'clock, and the circus begins at two, so +Bob said," Elf remarked, with the thought of calming Vera, but that was +not so easily done.</p> + +<p>"But it's a two-hour ride out there. Come up to my room, Elf, and help +me choose a dress," Vera replied, as she caught Elf by the hand and +rushed up the stairway. How they laughed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> + +<p>The morning sped on wings, and lunch was served early.</p> + +<p>Just as they were leaving the house, the postman brought a letter for +Dorothy that had been remailed from Glenmore, and she took it with her +to read, if there was an opportunity.</p> + +<p>The ride out from the city over fine roads, and along beautiful avenues, +was delightful, and the jolly little party reached "Vane Villa," earlier +than they had thought possible.</p> + +<p>"Dorothy is aching to read her letter," Vera said, "so sit out here and +read it, Dorothy dear," she continued, "and Rob will take Elf around to +see the kennels, and I'll tag along with them, for if I stay here, I'll +talk and talk so you won't know what is in your letter after all."</p> + +<p>It was a kind thought, and a bit of tact <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>that careless, flighty Vera +often showed.</p> + +<p>Dorothy opened her letter, and commenced reading. After a few lines she +looked up, her eyes shining.</p> + +<p>"Nancy, come here, and listen to this.</p> + +<p>"They are already on the homeward trip, and the first of May Mother and +Aunt Charlotte will be at the Stone House, and we are to join them a +week later. Already Mother has written to Mrs. Marvin, and we are to be +excused for the last two weeks at Glenmore, and away we'll speed toward +Merrivale and home."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am <i>so</i> glad!" Nancy cried as she pressed Dorothy closer.</p> + +<p>"And that isn't all," said Dorothy, "for hear this:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I'm sure, dear, that you and Nancy will be +delighted to know that, after a short stay at the +Stone House, we shall go to Foam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> Ridge for the +summer. You are both so fond of the shore, and the +salt air." </p></div> + +<p>Nancy's eyes were bright, and there was a droll twinkle in them.</p> + +<p>Drawing closer, Nancy whispered a rare bit of news.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean that?" Dorothy asked. "Are you <i>sure?</i>"</p> + +<p>Nancy laughed and nodded.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><a name="drawing" id="drawing"></a><img src="./images/plate06.jpg" alt="Drawing closer, Nancy whispered a rare bit of news." title="Drawing closer, Nancy whispered a rare bit of news." /></div> +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Drawing closer, Nancy whispered a rare bit of news.</span>—<a href='#Page_186'><i>Page 186.</i></a></div> + + +<p>"Perfectly sure," she said, "for only the day before vacation Betty told +me that her mother had just written to say that for a change they were +to spend the summer at the shore, and she said: 'Isn't "Foam Ridge" a +pretty name.' I didn't think to tell you, because I never dreamed that +we would be going to the same place. I knew you'd be pleased, for you +like Betty Chase as well as I do."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I am truly glad that we shall see Betty at the shore."</p> + +<p>"Hello!" shouted Rob. "Anybody thinking of going to the circus!"</p> + +<p>"Yes! Yes!" they cried, and ran to join Rob and Vera and Elf.</p> + +<p>For a small circus it proved to be quite a show. There were trained dogs +that were really clever, there were trained elephants, but best of all +there were some handsome horses, whose riders did wonderful vaulting, +tumbling, and riding, springing over hurdles, and through covered hoops.</p> + +<p>When they left the tent the girls were delighted with the show, and Rob +said it made him think of his early ambition to be a circus performer.</p> + +<p>"Why wouldn't you like to now?" asked Vera. "If I had ever wanted to, +I'd want <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>to now. I wouldn't change my mind. Well, I don't see why you +all laugh!" she cried, looking in surprise from one to the other.</p> + +<p>It was small wonder that they laughed. Vera rarely held one opinion for +more than half a day, and had been known to have a half-dozen minds +inside of an hour!</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>It was a jolly party that took the train for Glenmore on Saturday +morning. Rob had taken them to the station, bought a a box of candy for +each, and waited until the last moment to leave the train.</p> + +<p>"If Miss Fenler has been watching Patricia this week she has been busy," +said Elf, when they had settled themselves for the long ride.</p> + +<p>"She could easily watch Arabella, she is so slow," Dorothy said.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p> + +<p>It happened that Mrs. Marvin had told Miss Fenler to closely watch both +girls who had chosen to spend the week's vacation at the school.</p> + +<p>School without lessons would be fine, they thought.</p> + +<p>"I think Arabella Correyville, if she were here alone, would be very +little care, but Patricia Levine is as full of queer notions as any girl +could be, and she plans the oddest mischief, and then drags slow little +Arabella into it. Patricia never tries to help her out, and she +invariably laughs if Arabella is caught.</p> + +<p>"Arabella is so slow that she really doesn't know that Patricia rules +her, while Patricia rules, and laughs at Arabella for obeying.</p> + +<p>"I promise to watch them, and I am likely to be more closely employed +than dur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>ing a regular school session," Miss Fenler said in reply.</p> + +<p>The first day passed without any especial happening, but the next day +the two set out for a walk, soon after breakfast, and did not return +until just before six.</p> + +<p>"You were not here at one o'clock for lunch," Miss Fenler said. "Where +were you?"</p> + +<p>"I lunched with a friend," said Patricia, and Arabella drawled, "So did +I."</p> + +<p>"I did not know that you had friends here in town," Miss Fenler said, in +surprise. They were, of course friends, and they had lunched together. +What they had said had been true, but surely not honest.</p> + +<p>Arabella stared stupidly at Miss Fenler, and Patricia imitated her +stolid friend, too. It was easier to look dull than to answer more +questions.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p> + +<p>On the third day Mrs. Marvin was absolutely amazed to glance toward her +window just in time to see Patricia entering the house with a cat in her +arms.</p> + +<p>Questioned as to where she obtained the cat she said that a boy gave it +to her, that she didn't know his name, or where he lived.</p> + +<p>"Where do you expect to keep it?" asked Miss Fenler, who had been sent +to meet her.</p> + +<p>"I thought I could keep her in the little shed that's next to the +kitchen, and then Judy could feed her," was the answer, given as +confidently as if the whole matter were settled.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin came out into the hall in time to hear what Patricia said.</p> + +<p>"I think we can arrange to let puss remain if she is to be under Judy's +care," she said, "for only yesterday she told me that the mice are +becoming very bold, and they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>are too wise to go into the traps that she +sets."</p> + +<p>A sound of falling pans, flat-irons, and other kitchen utensils made +them start. Patricia clung to the cat, although it was making desperate +efforts to get away.</p> + +<p>"Ow-oo-o! O massy sakes! Yow-hoo!" shouted Judy as she burst the door +open, and tore out into the hall.</p> + +<p>"Dem mices'll kill me yit, I do b'liebe!" she yelled. "De windows, an' +do's is shet, an' dey's prancin' on de kitchen' flo. Oh-oo!"</p> + +<p>"Hush, Judy, hush!" Mrs. Marvin said. "We've a cat with us, and she is +just in time."</p> + +<p>"I sho' won't go nigh dat kitchen wid no cat, nor nuffin' else," Judy +said, her eyes rolling in terror.</p> + +<p>"Pooh!" cried Patricia, "I'd be glad to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>put her out there before I get +any more scratches," and going to the end of the hall, she opened the +door, and dropped puss on the floor.</p> + +<p>In less time than it takes to tell it the cat had caught the two tiny +mice, that had been far more afraid of the big colored woman, than she +had been of them, and that is saying a great deal.</p> + +<p>Patricia was never inclined to be in any way obliging. She was one of +those unpleasant girls who find no joy in being kind or helpful.</p> + +<p>Whatever she did, was done wholly for her own sake, and Judy eyed her +with suspicion when she saw how promptly she took the big cat to the +kitchen.</p> + +<p>Having given the cat over to the care of Judy, Patricia raced up the +stairway to her room.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p> + +<p>Judy rolled her eyes to look after her.</p> + +<p>"Wha' fo' she done dat?" she asked of Miss Fenler, who stood near her.</p> + +<p>"Wha' fo'? I axes. Dat ar young miss done bring dat cat home ter hab in +her room fo' a pet. How happen her to gib it up ter Judy?"</p> + +<p>"Nonsense, Judy. She knows, as all the pupils know, that it is a fixed +rule at Glenmore, that no pupil can have a pet in her room."</p> + +<p>"All de same, Miss Patrichy <i>meant</i> dat cat ter be up in her room, long +o' dat ar <i>Carbale</i> gal."</p> + +<p>Judy never could get Arabella's name correctly. Sometimes it was +"Carbale," then it was "<i>Corbille</i>," but never once had she managed to +call it Correyville.</p> + +<p>"Well, the cat is in the kitchen now, and you must look out for her. +Keep her in for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>a few days until she feels that this is home, and then +she will stay," Miss Fenler said, and returned to her account-books.</p> + +<p>Thursday the two girls were in their room all day, reading, and +devouring a "treat" that Patricia had smuggled in. It was much the same +ménu that Patricia usually chose, without a thought as to how the +different things would combine.</p> + +<p>Who but Patricia Levine would ever think of eating ice-cream, and big +green pickles at the same time?</p> + +<p>The reason that she would have given for eating them at the same time +would have been that she liked both.</p> + +<p>They ate the papers of ice-cream first before it could melt, and then, +each took a huge green pickle, and a favorite book, and settled down to +read.</p> + +<p>When the lunch hour arrived, Patricia <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>felt a bit "queer," while +Arabella felt decidedly "queerer."</p> + +<p>Neither cared to eat, but they dared not stay away from the dining-room, +so both went down to the table, but they made only a pretense of eating.</p> + +<p>Early in the afternoon both felt hungry. Patricia rushed to the closet, +and returned with some chocolate éclaires, and a bottle of olives.</p> + +<p>"I'll eat an éclaire," said Arabella, "but maybe I'd better not eat +olives with it."</p> + +<p>"Well, of all things!" cried Patricia. "Let me tell you what you don't +know. Éclaires and olives just <i>b'long</i> together. Don't act funny, +Arabella."</p> + +<p>Arabella, always afraid of being laughed at, ate not only one éclaire, +but two, and a dozen olives, as well.</p> + +<p>During the afternoon, they ate four <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>crullers, two pickled limes, two +ham sandwiches, and a pound of fudge.</p> + +<p>Patricia could eat anything, and any amount of food without any ill +effect, but Arabella was really sick when the hour for dinner arrived.</p> + +<p>When Mrs. Marvin questioned Patricia, she said that Arabella had a +headache, and that she had said that she was not hungry.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin sent a waitress up to their room with some toast and tea for +Arabella. Arabella barely tasted it, and the girl returned to report +that Miss Arabella looked sick, and really could not eat.</p> + +<p>The next day found her much like her usual self, and Patricia proposed a +walk.</p> + +<p>"I'll go with you in a minute," said Arabella.</p> + +<p>"What <i>are</i> you waiting for?" snapped Patricia. She turned, and saw that +Ara<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>bella was shaking some green pills from a bottle.</p> + +<p>"It's hard work trying to mind two people who say different things," +complained Arabella. "Aunt Matilda told me to take these green pills +every hour, wherever I happen to be, and Mrs. Marvin says I must not be +continually taking medicine in the class-room. How can I do both?"</p> + +<p>"Don't take it at all!" cried Patricia.</p> + +<p>"But my health—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, bother your health," said Patricia. "I should think you'd be sick +of hearing about it."</p> + +<p>"I am," confessed Arabella.</p> + +<p>"Then pitch every one of those bottles out, and see what happens! No +wonder the girls here call you the 'medicine-chest.' The doses you take +make me sick just to see them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p> + +<p>Arabella looked sulky, and when Patricia started for a walk, Arabella +refused to go. She was usually afraid of Patricia, and did as she +directed, but when she became sulky, not even Patricia could move her, +try as she might.</p> + +<p>Arabella was standing near the window when Patricia returned, and what +she saw was anything but pleasing.</p> + +<p>At the end of a leash was a small, shaggy, yellow dog, of no especial +breed!</p> + +<p>Arabella detested dogs, and was desperately afraid of them as well.</p> + +<p>She told herself that the dog would also be in Judy's care, and was +wondering how he would get on with the cat, when she heard a loud +whisper outside the door.</p> + +<p>"Let me in, quick!" it said, and when Arabella opened the door, Patricia +stumbled over the dog who had run between her feet, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>and the two landed +on the middle of the rug in a heap.</p> + +<p>"There! Isn't he a beauty?" Patricia asked and without waiting for an +answer continued, "A man told me he was a valuable dog that <i>ought</i> to +bring fifty dollars, but because he was going to leave town, he let me +have him, for two dollars, and threw in the leash. Wasn't that a +bargain?"</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do with him?" Arabella asked. "Oh, take him away! +I don't want him sniffing at me!"</p> + +<p>Patricia made an outrageous face, and tugged at the leash.</p> + +<p>"Keep him in this room until I go home, and then take him with me," she +said.</p> + +<p>"I'll not sleep in this room if that dog is kept in here!" declared +Arabella.</p> + +<p>"Where will you sleep?" Patricia asked, coolly. "They wouldn't let you +sleep out in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>the hall, and if I put the dog out there, 'The Fender' +will take him."</p> + +<p>By extreme care, Patricia managed not to do anything that would make him +bark.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>AN INNOCENT SNEAK-THIEF</h3> + + +<p>The little dog had slept all night, but when morning came he wanted to +go out for a romp. Patricia tied him to the leg of the bed, gave him +some breakfast and sat on the floor beside him to stop him if he began +to bark.</p> + +<p>Thus far he had been very quiet, only softly growling, and stopping that +when Patricia held up her finger and told him he must "keep still."</p> + +<p>"Why do we have to review?" Patricia said as Arabella took up a book.</p> + +<p>"The idea of looking into my history to see when Virginia was settled at +Jamestown <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>when any one <i>knows</i> it was in fourteen ninety-two!"</p> + +<p>"O my, Patricia! That's wrong," Arabella said, "That's when Columbus +discovered America."</p> + +<p>"Well, for goodness' sake! Couldn't he have landed in Virginia, and +settled it at the same time?" demanded Patricia. She was desperately +angry, but Arabella persisted.</p> + +<p>"Don't you <i>know</i>, Patricia, it <i>couldn't</i> have been settled in fourteen +ninety-two?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't bother me about that!" said Patricia, and Arabella, peering +at her through her goggles decided that it would be wise to do no more +correcting.</p> + +<p>"I don't think Miss Fenler is fair," said Patricia, "for she marked my +history paper only forty-two, and I just <i>know</i> it ought to have been +higher than that. And my spelling she marked only thirty-eight last +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>month, and all because I put an r in water, spelling it 'warter,' and +I'm sure that's not bad."</p> + +<p>"You put two t's in it, too," said Arabella.</p> + +<p>"I will again if I want to," snapped Patricia.</p> + +<p>"There's the breakfast-bell. He's sure to bark while we're down-stairs," +Arabella said. She hoped that he would, so that he might be given other +quarters. He looked up as the door closed, and was about to bark when he +saw one of Arabella's slippers, and grabbing it, retired under the bed +to chew it.</p> + +<p>It was a rule that the maids should make the beds, and put the rooms in +order while the pupils were at breakfast, and on that morning it fell to +Maggie's share of the work to care for the only room now occupied.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p> + +<p>She was a good-natured Irish girl, and she entered the room singing:</p> + +<p> +"'Now, Rory, be aisy, don't tase me no more,<br /> +'Tis the—'"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Och, murther! Murther! There's a man under the bed, an' he grabbed me +by me shoe,—oh! oh!"</p> + +<p>Down-stairs she ran, screaming all the way, declaring that there was a +man up-stairs, and calling for some one brave enough to "dhrive him +out."</p> + +<p>Her terror was very real, and Marcus was called in to oust the intruder.</p> + +<p>"It must be a sneak-thief," said Miss Fenler.</p> + +<p>"It <i>am</i> a sneak-thief," said Marcus, appearing with the small dog in +his arms.</p> + +<p>"He stole a slipper, an den sneaked under der bed ter chew on it. Sure, +he am a sneak-thief, but I knows a cullud gemman <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>what wants a dog, an' +I guess he's 'bout the right size. Dey has a pow'ful small house, an' +him an' his wife, an' seben chilluns lib in dem two rooms, so he +couldn't want no bigger dog dan dis yar."</p> + +<p>"Why nobody can give that dog away!" shrieked Patricia. "I bought him +yesterday, and paid the man two dollars for him. He's mine!"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to tell me, Patricia, that you bought that dog and +deliberately brought him here, when you knew that it was against the +rules of the school?" Mrs. Marvin asked.</p> + +<p>"You kept the cat," said Patricia.</p> + +<p>"Because I let the cat remain, you decided that it would be safe to do +practically the same thing again, did you?" Mrs. Marvin's usually kind +voice sounded very cold now.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He isn't a cat, so 'tisn't the same," Patricia said with a pout.</p> + +<p>"We must find an owner for him, Marcus," Mrs. Marvin said.</p> + +<p>"I <i>won't</i> let him go!" screamed Patricia.</p> + +<p>"You cannot keep him here."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll go back to my aunt's house at Merrivale, and take him with +me," said Patricia.</p> + +<p>"Do as you like about that," Mrs. Marvin said quietly, "but you must +choose."</p> + +<p>"I've <i>choosed</i>, I mean 'chosen,'" said Patricia. "I'll go right +straight off, and take the dog with me."</p> + +<p>It looked like haste and anger, but for weeks Patricia had been so far +behind the others of her class, that she believed that any day Mrs. +Marvin would send her home with a letter stating that she had been +neglecting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>study, and must give up her place to some ambitious pupil. +Patricia preferred to go of her own choice, so she rushed to her room, +and began to pack her belongings.</p> + +<p>Arabella stood watching her as if not fully realizing that she was +losing her chum.</p> + +<p>She was not quite so dull as she appeared. She was sorry to have +Patricia go, and she was not at all sure that she would like her room +all to herself. At the same time she was comforting herself with the +thought that there would be no one to make her eat things that she ate +for the sake of peace and that nearly always made her ill, or to drag +her into mischief that she, herself would never have thought of. When +Patricia's trunk was strapped to the back of the carriage, and she stood +on the porch, her suit-case in one hand, her other hand holding the +dog's leash, she turned to Arabella.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, aren't you going to say something, now I'm ready to start?" she +asked.</p> + +<p>"Do'no' what to say," drawled Arabella.</p> + +<p>Arabella had spoken the truth, which, however, was not complimentary, +and Patricia was offended.</p> + +<p>Arabella, looking after her tried to decide just how she felt. She would +miss Patricia, because at times she was a lively chum, but she was quick +to take offense, and Arabella was always doing something that displeased +her.</p> + +<p>Then, too, Arabella had a very small allowance, while Patricia spent +money with a free hand, and always "shared" with Arabella. But what joy +was there in eating the oddly chosen "treats"?</p> + +<p>Arabella decided that as there was but a short time before the closing +of school, it was, perhaps, the best thing that could have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>happened, +that Patricia had decided to go back to Merrivale. It seemed strange +that she should prefer to be with her aunt in Merrivale, rather than +with her mother, at their home in New York, but those who knew were not +surprised.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Levine was as strange in some respects, as her little daughter was +in others. If Patricia enjoyed being away from home, Mrs. Levine, +flighty, and weak-willed, was glad to be free from the care of Patricia.</p> + +<p>The aunt was very glad of the money paid for Patricia's board, so every +one concerned seemed satisfied.</p> + +<p>Surely Patricia was having but little training, but who was there to +complain?</p> + +<p>Being away from home had one decided advantage, Patricia thought.</p> + +<p>She could ask for money when she needed clothing, and when she received +it she could <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>make her own choice of hats, coats, or dresses, and what a +lively choice it was!</p> + +<p>She had rightly earned the title of the "Human Rainbow."</p> + +<p>She had heard the name, and she liked it. She thought that it implied +that her costumes were gay, rather than dull colored.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin breathed a sigh of relief when Patricia had actually left +Glenmore, and Miss Fenler remarked that Arabella was really too slow to +get into mischief, now that she had no one to assist her.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>The ride had been a long one, and the car had been hot after the early +morning. Vera complained that she was fairly roasted, while Elf declared +that she had breathed smoke from the open windows until she believed +that she would smell smoke for a week. Dorothy and Nancy made little +fuss about <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>either smoke or heat, bearing the discomforts of the trip +patiently, and laughing when Vera fumed.</p> + +<p>"Well, I know, if I were a man," said Vera, "I could make some kind of +an engine that would go like lightning, and have neither smoke nor +cinders. I told Rob that, and he said, 'Oh, don't let it stop you +because you're not a man. Just go ahead, Pussy Weather-vane, and plan +it. The companies won't refuse to use it because it wasn't invented by a +man!'</p> + +<p>"Now, isn't that just like a boy? What time do I have to do things like +that? Doesn't he know that I have lessons, and all sorts of things that +hinder me?"</p> + +<p>"Why do you girls laugh at everything I say, just as Rob does?" she +concluded, looking in surprise, from one merry face to the other.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, but Vera, you are funny when you sputter," said Elf.</p> + +<p>"I s'pose I am," agreed Vera, "and I don't much care. I'm sure I'd +rather make you laugh, than make you look sober."</p> + +<p>"Look! Look!" cried Dorothy.</p> + +<p>"We're almost to Glenmore!"</p> + +<p>"Not yet," said Vera.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but Dorothy is right," said Nancy, "for look there where the river +glistens in the sun."</p> + +<p>"And see that big Club House right over there," Dorothy said, pointing +toward a handsome building of which the town of Glenmore was justly +proud.</p> + +<p>"But it doesn't seem quite like—"</p> + +<p>Vera's remark was interrupted by the trainman, who opened the door and +shouted, "Glenmore! Glenmore!"</p> + +<p>"I guess it did look like it," Vera said, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>she sprang out on the +platform, followed by her three laughing companions. Marcus was waiting +for them.</p> + +<p>"Yo'-all git in, an' we'll git dar as quick as we kin. Mis' Marvin, she +say all the other pupils is arriv, an' she hopes you fo' will be some +prompt."</p> + +<p>"We came as soon as the train would bring us," said Elf.</p> + +<p>"But dat train am an hour later dan de time-table say."</p> + +<p>"Do you believe that?" Elf asked of the others, as they rode along.</p> + +<p>"They must have changed the time-table," Nancy said.</p> + +<p>Marcus turned his head to shout:</p> + +<p>"No, miss, no. Nobody doesn't neber chane nuffin' in Glenmore!"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin was on the porch, as the carriage turned in at the gateway, +and she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>stepped forward to greet them as they sprang out on the walk.</p> + +<p>"I was beginning to wonder what had detained you, when I was delighted +to see the carriage coming around the bend of the road. You are just in +time to go to your rooms and 'freshen up' a bit before dinner, and— +Why, Arabella Correyville! What does this mean?"</p> + +<p>A drenched and bedraggled figure was mounting the steps. Her hair, and +garments were dripping, she had lost her goggles, and without them her +eyes had a frightened stare.</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean to look like this," she said, "but I lost the key to my +room. I'd locked the door when I went out, and I wanted to study some +before dinner. I climbed up onto the edge of that hogshead that the +workmen had left right beside the trellis <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>that runs up by my window. I +meant to get in at my window, but I fell and got into a hogshead of +dirty water. 'Twasn't very pleasant," she drawled.</p> + +<p>One might have thought, from the manner in which she said it that most +people would have enjoyed the "ducking"!</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin looked discouraged. This was the girl that <i>could not</i> get +into a scrape, now that she had no one to drag her in!</p> + +<p>"Miss Fenler, will you assist Arabella in making herself presentable +before six? It is after five-thirty now."</p> + +<p>Miss Fenler looked anything but pleased, but she dared not refuse. +Arabella seemed quieter than ever when she came down the stairway, her +wet garments exchanged for dry ones, and her straight hair primly +braided, thanks to Miss Fenler.</p> + +<p>Doubtless she had not recovered from her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>surprise when she found +herself in the hogshead. It always required time for Arabella to recover +from any new idea, or unusual happening.</p> + +<p>The other girls were giving the four who had just returned a gay +welcome, and Dorothy slipped her arm around Betty Chase, and told her +the fine news that during the summer they were both to be at Foam Ridge.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dorothy!" cried Betty, her dark eyes shining, "I was delighted when +mother wrote that we were going there, just because I so love to be at +the shore, and now to think that you and Nancy are to spend the summer +there,—oh, it is such a dear surprise."</p> + +<p>"But listen, every one!" cried Valerie Dare. "That's all very fine for +Betty, but the other bit of news isn't quite so nice. Dorothy Dainty and +Nancy Ferris are to leave Glenmore two weeks earlier than the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>rest of +us. Say! Do you think we'll miss them?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dorothy Dainty! Why do you go so soon?"</p> + +<p>"And take Nancy with you, too! Say, do you have to?"</p> + +<p>"Can't you stay longer?"</p> + +<p>These and many more were the queries called forth by Valerie's +statement.</p> + +<p>It was small comfort for them to listen when Dorothy explained.</p> + +<p>The fact remained, that they did not want to have her leave before +school closed. She had endeared herself to her classmates, and to many +others whom she met at socials, and after school sessions. Nancy shared +her popularity, and both prized the loving friendship that had made +their stay at Glenmore so pleasant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>A GLAD RETURN</h3> + + +<p>"We're glad to think that to-night we shall be at home at the Stone +House, and that we'll be with Mother and Aunt Charlotte again, and we're +really sorry to say 'good-by' to Glenmore and the pleasant friends that +we have found here," Dorothy said, as she stood on the porch with Nancy, +waiting for Marcus, who was to take them to the station.</p> + +<p>"That's just the way we feel," said Nancy. "Glad and sorry at the same +time."</p> + +<p>"Well, let me tell you, <i>I</i> don't feel two ways at once," cried Vera. "I +feel just one way. I'm just <i>fearfully</i> sorry!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Marvin had bidden them "good-by," after having expressed her +approval of their work as pupils, and her regret that they must leave +too early to have a part in the program at the final exhibition. On the +train that they were to take, there was no stop long enough to obtain +anything to eat, so Judy had put up a tempting lunch of sandwiches, +cake, and fruit.</p> + +<p>Betty and Valerie had a box of chocolates for each, and Ida Mayo, now +wholly recovered, came in at the gate just in time to offer each a +lovely rose from a cluster that she carried.</p> + +<p>Arabella came slowly out to join the group on the porch, and seeing Ida +Mayo offering her roses, she decided not to be outdone.</p> + +<p>"Here, wait 'til I find something," she said, thrusting her hand deep +into her pocket. After a moment's search she pro<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>duced two bottles of +pills, one pink and the other green.</p> + +<p>"Take 'em with you," she said, offering one to Dorothy, and the other to +Nancy. "One is for a 'tired feeling,' and the other is for feeling too +good. I've forgotten which is which, but if you take them both, you're +sure to feel all right during the long car-ride."</p> + +<p>There were stifled giggles, for surely bottles of medicine were curious +gifts to offer, and the group of girls thought it the drollest thing +that Arabella had yet done.</p> + +<p>For only a second did Dorothy hesitate. She did not, of course, want to +accept the funny gift, but she saw Arabella's cheek flush, as little +Lina Danford laughed softly, and she did the kindest thing that she +could have done.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," she said, gently, then to the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>others she added: "Arabella +is eager to have us both feel fine when we reach Merrivale."</p> + +<p>The soft laughter ceased, and Ida Mayo said to a girl who stood near +her: "Isn't that just like Dorothy Dainty! She doesn't want those pills +any more than you or I would, but she won't let Arabella feel hurt."</p> + +<p>"She is dear, and sweet," was the whispered reply, "and so is Nancy."</p> + +<p>At last Marcus arrived, and as they rode along the avenue, they waved +their handkerchiefs to the group on the porch until they turned the +corner, and were out of sight.</p> + +<p>The long car-ride was much like any all-day ride. Rather pleasant at +first, a bit tedious on the last hour, but oh, the joy of the +home-coming!</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dainty had felt the first separation from Dorothy keenly, and she +could not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>school herself to be calm when for the first time in months +she would see her sweet face again, so she sent the limousine over to +the station, and with a desperate effort at patience, waited at home for +the sound of its return.</p> + +<p>Aunt Charlotte was more calm, but so long had Nancy been under her care +that she seemed like a little daughter, and now, with Mrs. Dainty she +sat waiting, and each smiled when she caught the other watching the +clock.</p> + +<p>Of course the train was late in arriving at Merrivale, and Mrs. Dainty +was just beginning to be anxious when the limousine whirled up the +driveway, and stopped. John opened the door, and in an instant Dorothy +found herself held close in loving arms.</p> + +<p>"Dorothy, my darling, I can never be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>parted from you again. If it is a +question of travel, I will not go unless you go with me, and if it is +education, then you must have private tutors at home."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes!" agreed Dorothy.</p> + +<p>"At first the newness amused me, but the last half of the time grew +harder and harder to bear. I knew you needed the rest and change and I +did my best. When I found that you had come home two weeks earlier, I +could hardly wait till this morning to start."</p> + +<p>"We've tried to be cheerful for each other," Nancy said, looking out +from her shelter in Aunt Charlotte's arms, "but oh, how good it is to be +at home!"</p> + +<p>Mollie Merton, and Flossie Barnet had waved to them as they turned in at +the great gate, and Uncle Harry had swung his cap gayly, and looked the +genuine pleasure that he felt at seeing them again.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Let's go over to see Dorothy and Nancy," Flossie said, but Uncle Harry +laid his hand gently on her arm.</p> + +<p>"Not just now, Flossie dear," he said. "My little niece is truly glad to +see them, but I think there will be things to talk over, and they have +been apart for months, so they should have this evening uninterrupted by +any friends."</p> + +<p>"I guess that's so," said Flossie, "but it's hard to wait until +to-morrow to tell them how glad we are to see them."</p> + +<p>"I love dat Dorothy girl, <i>myself</i>," said Uncle Harry's small daughter, +"and I love dat Nancy girl, too. Dat Dorothy girl always has candy for +me, and dat Nancy girl makes hats for my dolly."</p> + +<p>Uncle Harry swung the tiny girl up to a seat on his shoulder, and his +blue eyes twinkled as he looked into the little, eager face.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't you love them when they aren't giving you something?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" said the little maid, "but I love them <i>harder</i> when they +do."</p> + +<p>"Then you'll love me 'harder' than you do now if I give you a ride up to +the house?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes!" she cried, and she laughed gayly as she rode in triumph +up the driveway, and into the house.</p> + +<p>The evening was spent in the big living-room, with a small fire blazing +in the fireplace. It had been warm and sunny all day, but when evening +came, an east wind had risen, and the happy little party was glad to sit +cosily in doors. Dorothy and Nancy listened entranced while Mrs. Dainty +and Aunt Charlotte told of their travels. They had been south, they had +been west, and they had brought home beautiful souvenirs <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>of every place +at which they had stayed.</p> + +<p>Then Dorothy and Nancy told of the life at Glenmore, of the new friends +that they had met, and of Arabella and Patricia.</p> + +<p>It was a happy evening.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dainty had found it impossible to reach home until a week later, but +he had written a longer letter than usual, and had sent one especially +to Dorothy, and it seemed almost as if he were really talking to her as +she read it.</p> + +<p>Bright and early next morning Mollie and Flossie raced over to the Stone +House, and the four chattered so fast, that the old gardener at work +near the fountain, took off his hat, and for a moment stood listening. +He was not near enough to know what they were saying, but he heard their +happy voices, now talking, now laughing, and he spoke his thoughts.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hear that now, hear that! An' will any man tell me that a garding is a +reel garding widout the sound o' merry voices? Sure, it's been so still +here the past few weeks that I begun ter talk ter meself, just ter break +the stillness, but it didn't do the trick, fer me voice ain't what yo +calls 'moosicle.' Oh, hear them now! It does me good, so it does."</p> + +<p>There was news, and a plenty of it to tell, and when Dorothy and Nancy +had told the happenings at Glenmore, Mollie and Flossie took their turn, +and related all the Merrivale news.</p> + +<p>"You know Sidney Merrington used to be so lazy last winter that he +didn't get on at all at school," said Flossie. "Arithmetic was all that +really vexed him, but because he had low marking for that, he wouldn't +try hard to do anything else.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Molly'">Mollie</ins> promised to help him, (you needn't bother to poke me, +Mollie, for I <i>will</i> tell) and she did help him every day, and after a +while he began to help himself, and last week his average on the exam. +was ninety-three. Wasn't that fine? He never would have got that if +<ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Molly'">Mollie</ins> hadn't helped him."</p> + +<p>"<ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Molly'">Mollie</ins>, you were dear," said Dorothy.</p> + +<p>"And Tess Haughton is ever so much nicer than she was," <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Molly'">Mollie</ins> said, "for +she doesn't do anything now that seems,—why not quite true. That +doesn't sound just as I mean it. I know how to say it now. I mean that +she isn't sly. She is a good playmate, and a good friend."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's fine!" Dorothy and Nancy cried, as if with one voice.</p> + +<p>"There's another fine thing to tell," said Flossie. "Reginald Dean, with +the help of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>his big dog saved a little boy from drowning. Reginald saw +him fall from the bridge, and he never stopped to think that he isn't +very big himself, but jumped right in, and was doing his best to save +him, when all at once his strength gave out, and he called for help. He +never dreamed that his dog had followed him, until with a splash he +jumped into the water close beside him, grabbed his clothes, and dragged +the two boys out."</p> + +<p>"Wasn't that great?" said Dorothy, her hands tightly clasped, her eyes +shining. "Reginald has the new bicycle that he so wanted. His father +gave it to him, because he had been brave enough to forget danger, and +rush to aid the other boy," said Mollie, "and the dog is wearing a new +collar with a brass plate on it, engraved, 'I'm a Life-Saver.'"</p> + +<p>"Katie Dean said she was almost sure <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>that she saw Patricia Levine +yesterday," said Flossie, "but I said I thought she must still be away +at school. Do you know where she is now?"</p> + +<p>"She might have seen her, for she left Glenmore before we did," Dorothy +said, and she was just in the midst of telling how Patricia had brought +the big cat home, and next had appeared with a little dog, when Mollie +said:</p> + +<p>"Here she comes now. Why, she has a dog with her!"</p> + +<p>"That's the one," said Nancy, "and she has him on a leash now, just as +she did at Glenmore. I wonder if her aunt likes him. He tears and chews +everything he can get hold of."</p> + +<p>"Hello!" called Patricia, as soon as she saw them, then, "My! What did +you and Nancy get sent home for?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We weren't sent home," Nancy said, indignantly.</p> + +<p>"Now, Nancy Ferris, Glenmore doesn't close until next week, and here are +you two at home."</p> + +<p>"That is no sign that we were sent," said Dorothy. "Mother sent for us."</p> + +<p>"Oh, was that it?" Patricia said saucily, and then turning to <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Molly'">Mollie</ins> she +asked:</p> + +<p>"How do you like my dog? He isn't a pretty dog, but he knows everything, +and he <i>always</i> minds. My friends think it is just wonderful the way he +minds me. I taught him to. Stop!" she cried. "Stop, I tell you. I won't +let you chew the edge of my skirt. Will you stop? Oh, well I don't care +if you do chew it. It's an old dress, anyway."</p> + +<p>She saw that he would not stop.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I've named him Diogenes. I don't know who Diogenes was, but I liked the +name and he's such a hand to dodge, I thought I'd call him 'Dodgy' for +short. Well, I'm sure I don't see why you look so amused. <i>I</i> think I've +chosen a grand name for him. Come on, Dodgy!" but the small dog lay +down.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, how you do act! Come on! Up the street! Come!"</p> + +<p>The dog got up, yawned, and then, taking a good hold on the leash, he +snatched it from Patricia's hand, and made off with it, as fast as he +could scamper, Patricia after him at top speed.</p> + +<p>"He minded me that time," she turned to say, then resumed her chase.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>The next few days were filled with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>preparation for the trip to Foam +Ridge, and Dorothy and Nancy could think of little else.</p> + +<p>Both had felt the constraint at Glenmore which was really necessary at +so large a school.</p> + +<p>The freedom from study, with its fixed hours would be refreshing.</p> + +<p>There would be fine surf at Foam Ridge, and the two had "tried on" their +new bathing-suits at least a dozen times. They had studied the elaborate +booklet that showed in colors, the beauty-spots of the place, and +Dorothy had received a letter from Betty Chase, saying that in a short +time she would be there to join them in their sports.</p> + +<p>They were wondering what new friends they would make during the summer. +Betty, they knew, would be a lively companion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p> + +<p>Of the gay summer at the shore, of the fun and frolic, of the unexpected +things that happened, one may read in</p> + +<div class="center">"<span class="smcap">Dorothy Dainty at Foam Ridge</span>." +</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><i>THE DOROTHY DAINTY SERIES</i></h2> + +<h3>By AMY BROOKS</h3> + +<div class='center'>Large 12mo Cloth Illustrated by the Author</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Dorothy Dainty books"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class="figleft" style="width: 226px;"> +<img src="images/ddw.png" width="226" height="285" alt="Dorothy Dainty's Winter" title="Dorothy Dainty's Winter" /> +</div></td><td align='left'><i>Dorothy Dainty</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy's Playmates</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty at School</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty at the Shore</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty in the City</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty at Home</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty's Gay Times</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty in the Country</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty's Winter</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty in the Mountains</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty's Holidays</i><br /> +<i>Dorothy Dainty's Vacation</i><br /></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<div class="figright" style="width: 219px;"> +<img src="images/ddh.png" width="219" height="293" alt="Dorothy Dainty's Holidays" title="Dorothy Dainty's Holidays" /> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><br /><br /><p>"<span class="smcap">Little Dorothy Dainty</span> is one of the most +generous-hearted of children. Selfishness is not +at all a trait of hers, and she knows the value of +making sunshine, not alone in her own heart, but +for her neighborhood and friends."—<i>Boston +Courier.</i></p> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Dorothy Dainty</span>, a little girl, the only +child of wealthy parents, is an exceedingly +interesting character, and her earnest and +interesting life is full of action and suitable +adventure."—<i>Pittsburg Christian Advocate.</i></p> + +<p>"No finer little lady than Dorothy Dainty was ever +placed in a book for children."—<i>Teachers' +Journal, Pittsburg.</i></p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Miss Brooks</span> is a popular writer for the +very little folks who can read. She has an immense +sympathy for the children, and her stories never +fail to be amusing."—<i>Rochester</i> (<i>N.Y.</i>) +<i>Herald.</i> </p></div> + + + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> +<h2><i>THE RANDY BOOKS</i></h2> + +<h3><i>By AMY BROOKS</i></h3> +<div class="figleft" style="width: 211px;"> +<img src="images/rgt.png" width="211" height="294" alt="Randy's Good Times" title="Randy's Good Times" /> +</div> +<div class ='center'>12mo <span class="smcap">Cloth Artistic Cover Design in Gold and Colors</span><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Illustrated by the Author Price</span>, <i>Net</i>, $1.00 <span class="smcap">Each</span></div> + + + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The progress of the "Randy Books" has been one +continual triumph over the hearts of girls of all +ages, for dear little fun-loving sister Prue is +almost as much a central figure as Randy, growing +toward womanhood with each book. The sterling good +sense and simple naturalness of Randy, and the +total absence of slang and viciousness, make these +books in the highest degree commendable, while +abundant life is supplied by the doings of merry +friends, and there is rich humor in the droll +rural characters. </p></div> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Randy Books"> +<tr><td align='left'><i>Randy's Summer</i> <i>Randy's Good Times</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Randy's Winter</i> <i>Randy's Luck</i></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><i>Randy and Her Friends</i> <i>Randy's Loyalty</i></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6em;"><i>Randy and Prue</i> <i>Randy's Prince</i></span></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 209px;"> +<img src="images/rl.png" width="209" height="300" alt="Randy's Luck" title="Randy's Luck" /> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><br /><br /><br /><p>"The Randy Books are among the very choicest books +for young people to make a beginning with."</p></div> + +<div class='right'> +—<i>Boston Courier.</i><br /> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The Randy Books of Amy Brooks have had a deserved +popularity among young girls. They are wholesome +and moral without being goody-goody."</p></div> + +<div class='right'> +—<i>Chicago Post.</i><br /> +</div> + + + + + + + + + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> +<h2><i>THE PRUE BOOKS</i></h2> + +<h3>By AMY BROOKS</h3> + +<div class='center'><b>Illustrated by the Author</b> 12mo Cloth Net, $1.00 each</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 228px;"> +<img src="images/lsp.png" width="228" height="298" alt="Little Sister Prue" title="Little Sister Prue" /> +</div> + +<p>Cunning little Prue, one of the most winsome little girls ever "put in a +book," has already been met in another series where she gave no small +part of the interest. She well deserved books of her own for little +girls of her age, and they are now ready with everything in the way of +large, clear type, and Miss Brooks's best pictures and her pleasing +cover designs to make them attractive.</p> + +<div> +Little Sister Prue Prue's Merry Times<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Prue at School Prue's Little Friends</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Prue's Playmates Prue's Jolly Winter</span><br /><br /><br /></div> +<div class="figright" style="width: 218px;"> +<img src="images/plf.png" width="218" height="287" alt="Prue's Little Friends" title="Prue's Little Friends" /> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><br /><br /><p>"Miss Brooks always brings out the best ways of +acting and living and provides a good deal of +humor in her original country +characters."—<i>Watchman, Boston.</i></p> + +<p>"Few writers have ever possessed the faculty of +reaching the hearts and holding the interest of +little girl readers to the extent Miss Brooks +has."—<i>Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Me.</i></p> + +<p>"To know Prue is to love her, for no more winsome +little girl was ever put in a book, and her keen +wit and unexpected drolleries make her doubly +attractive."—<i>Kindergarten Magazine.</i> </p></div> + + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b><i>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by +the publishers</i></b><br /> + +LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> + +<h2>Only Dollie</h2> +<div class="figright" style="width: 214px;"> +<img src="images/od.png" width="214" height="297" alt="Only Dollie" title="Only Dollie" /> +</div> +<div class='center'>By <span class="smcap">Nina Rhoades</span> Illustrated by Bertha Davidson<br />Square 12mo +Cloth <i>$1.00 net</i></div> + + + +<div class="blockquot"><br /><br /><p>This is a brightly written story of a girl of +twelve, who, when the mystery of her birth is +solved, like Cinderella, passes from drudgery to +better circumstances. There is nothing strained or +unnatural at any point. All descriptions or +portrayals of character are life-like, and the +book has an indescribable appealing quality which +wins sympathy and secures success.</p> + +<p>"It is delightful reading at all times."—<i>Cedar +Rapids (Ia.) Republican.</i></p> + +<p>"It is well written, the story runs smoothly, the +idea is good, and it is handled with +ability."—<i>Chicago Journal.</i></p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<h2>The Little Girl Next Door</h2> + +<div class='center'>By <span class="smcap">Nina Rhoades</span>. Large 12mo Cloth Illustrated by Bertha +Davidson <i>$1.00 net</i><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>A delightful story of true and genuine friendship +between an impulsive little girl in a fine New +York home and a little blind girl in an apartment +next door. The little girl's determination to +cultivate the acquaintance, begun out of the +window during a rainy day, triumphs over the +barriers of caste, and the little blind girl +proves to be in every way a worthy companion. +Later a mystery of birth is cleared up, and the +little blind girl proves to be of gentle birth as +well as of gentle manners. </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<h2><br /><br />Winifred's Neighbors</h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width: 218px;"> +<img src="images/wn.png" width="218" height="295" alt="Winifred's Neighbors" title="Winifred's Neighbors" /> +</div> +<div class='center'>By <span class="smcap">Nina Rhoades</span> Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson <br />Large 12mo +Cloth <i>$1.00 net</i><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><br /><br /><p>Little Winifred's efforts to find some children of +whom she reads in a book lead to the acquaintance +of a neighbor of the same name, and this +acquaintance proves of the greatest importance to +Winifred's own family. Through it all she is just +such a little girl as other girls ought to know, +and the story will hold the interest of all ages. </p></div> + + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><i>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by +the publishers</i><br /> + +LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> + +<h2>The Children on the Top Floor</h2> +<div class="figright" style="width: 211px;"> +<img src="images/ctf.png" width="211" height="289" alt="The Children on the Top Floor" title="The Children on the Top Floor" /> +</div> + +<div class='center'>By <span class="smcap">Nina Rhoades</span> Large 12mo Cloth <br />Illustrated by Bertha +Davidson, $1.00 <i>net</i><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><br /><br /><p>In this book little Winifred Hamilton, the child +heroine of "Winifred's Neighbors," reappears, +living in the second of the four stories of a New +York apartment house. On the top floor are two +very interesting children, Betty, a little older +than Winifred, who is now ten, and Jack, a brave +little cripple, who is a year younger. In the end +comes a glad reunion, and also other good fortune +for crippled Jack, and Winifred's kind little +heart has once more indirectly caused great +happiness to others. </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<h2>How Barbara Kept Her Promise</h2> + +<div class='center'>By <span class="smcap">Nina Rhoades</span> Large 12mo Cloth <br />Illustrated by Bertha Davidson +$1.00 <i>net</i><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Two orphan sisters, Barbara, aged twelve, and +little Hazel, who is "only eight," are sent from +their early home in London to their mother's +family in New York. Faithful Barbara has promised +her father that she will take care of pretty, +petted, mischievous Hazel, and how she tries to do +this, even in the face of great difficulties, +forms the story which has the happy ending which +Miss Rhoades wisely gives to all her stories. </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + +<h2>Little Miss Rosamond</h2> +<div class="figleft" style="width: 211px;"> +<img src="images/lmr.png" width="211" height="284" alt="Little Miss Rosamund" title="Little Miss Rosamund" /> +</div> + +<div class='center'>By <span class="smcap">Nina Rhoades</span> Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson <br />Large 12mo +$1.00 <i>net</i><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Rosamond lives in Richmond, Va., with her big +brother, who cannot give her all the comfort that +she needs in the trying hot weather, and she goes +to the seaside cottage of an uncle whose home is +in New York. Here she meets Gladys and Joy, so +well known in a previous book, "The Little Girl +Next Door," and after some complications are +straightened out, bringing Rosamond's honesty and +kindness of heart into prominence, all are made +very happy. </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><i>For sale by all bookseller or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers</i><br /> + +LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> + +<h2>"<i>Brick House Books</i>"</h2> +<div class='center'><i>By NINA RHOADES</i><br /><br /> + +Cloth 12mo Illustrated $1.00 <i>net</i> each</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 219px;"> +<img src="images/pds.png" width="219" height="292" alt="Priscilla of the Doll Shop" title="Priscilla of the Doll Shop" /> +</div> +<div class='center'><br /><br /><b><big>Priscilla of the Doll Shop</big></b></div> + + + +<div class="blockquot"><br /><p>The "Brick House Books," as they are called from +their well-known cover designs, are eagerly sought +by children all over the country. There are three +good stories in this book, instead of one, and it +is hard to say which little girls, and boys, too, +for that matter, will like the best. </p></div> + + +<h3>Brave Little Peggy</h3> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Peggy comes from California to New Jersey to live +with a brother and sister whom she has not known +since very early childhood. She is so democratic +in her social ideas that many amusing scenes +occur, and it is hard for her to understand many +things that she must learn. But her good heart +carries her through, and her conscientiousness and +moral courage win affection and happiness. </p></div> + + + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 224px;"> +<img src="images/tos.png" width="224" height="294" alt="The Other Sylvia" title="The Other Sylvia" /> +</div> +<div class='center'><br /><br /><b><big>The Other Sylvia</big></b></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><br /><p>Eight-year-old Sylvia learns that girls who are +"Kings' Daughters" pledge themselves to some kind +act or service, and that one little girl named +Mary has taken it upon herself to be helpful to +all the Marys of her acquaintance. This is such an +interesting way of doing good that she adopts it +in spite of her unusual name, and really finds not +only "the other Sylvia," but great happiness. </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><i>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers</i><br /> + +LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON</div> + + + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>TOP-OF-THE-WORLD STORIES</h2> + +<h4>Translated from the Scandinavian Languages</h4> + +<h3>By EMILIE POULSSON and LAURA POULSSON</h3> + +<div class="center"><b>Illustrated in two colors by Florence Liley Young</b><br /> +<b>Price, Net, $1.25</b></div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 229px;"> +<img src="images/tws.png" width="229" height="295" alt="Top of the World Stories" title="Top of the World Stories" /> +</div> + +<p>These stories of magic and adventure come from the countries at the "top +of the world," and will transport thither in fancy the children who read +this unusual book. They tell of Lapps and reindeer (even a golden-horned +reindeer!), of prince and herd-boy, of knights and wolves and trolls, of +a boy who could be hungry and merry at the same time—of all these and +more besides! Miss Poulsson's numerous and long visits to Norway, her +father's land, and the fact that she is an experienced writer for +children are doubtless the reasons why her translations are sympathetic +and skilful, and yet entirely adapted to give wholesome pleasure to the +young public that she knows so well.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"In these stories are the elements of wonder and +magic and adventure that furnish the thrill so +much appreciated by boys and girls ten or twelve +years of age. An aristocratic book—one that every +young person will be perpetually proud +of."—<i>Lookout, Cincinnati, O.</i></p> + +<p>"In this book the children are transported to the +land they love best, the land of magic, of the +fairies and all kinds of wonderful happenings. It +is one of the best fairy story books ever +published."—<i>Argus-Leader, Sioux Falls, S.D.</i> </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><i>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers</i><br /> + +Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> +<h2>YULE-TIDE IN MANY LANDS</h2> + +<h3>By MARY P. PRINGLE and CLARA A. URANN</h3> + +<div class="center"><b>Fully illustrated and decorated</b><br /> +<b>12mo Cloth Price, $1.25 Net</b></div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 215px;"> +<img src="images/ytml.png" width="215" height="299" alt="Yule-Tide in Many Lands" title="Yule-Tide in Many Lands" /> +</div> + +<p>The varying forms of Christmas observance at different times and in +different lands are entertainingly shown by one trained in choosing and +presenting the best to younger readers. The symbolism, good cheer, and +sentiment of the grandest of holidays are shown as they appeal in +similar fashion to those whose lives seem so widely diverse. The first +chapter tells of the Yule-Tide of the Ancients, and the eight succeeding +chapters deal respectively with the observance of Christmas and New +Year's, making up the time of "Yule," or the turning of the sun, in +England, Germany, Scandinavia, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, and +America. The space devoted to each country has at least one good +illustration.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The descriptions as presented in this +well-prepared volume make interesting reading for +all who love to come in loving contact with others +in their high and pure +enjoyments."—<i>Herald-Presbyter, Cincinnati.</i></p> + +<p>"The way Yule-Tide was and is celebrated is told +in a simple and instructive way, and the narrative +is enriched by appropriate poems and excellent +illustrations."—<i>Cleveland Plain Dealer.</i></p> + +<p>"It is written for young people and is bound to +interest them for the subject is a universal +one."—<i>American Church Sunday School Magazine.</i> </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><i>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers</i><br /> + +Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> +<h2>LITTLE FOLKS OF ANIMAL LAND</h2> + +<h3><b>Photographed and described by</b></h3> + +<h3>HARRY WHITTIER FREES</h3> + +<p class="center">Sixty Full-page Pictures of Animal Pets, Costumed, Posed, and +Photographed from Life Each with a Descriptive Story +Square 8vo Cloth Photographic Cover-insert, +End-leaves and Jacket</p> + +<div class="center">Price, Net, $1.50; Postpaid, $1.70</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 267px;"> +<img src="images/lfan.png" width="267" height="286" alt="The Little Folks of Animal Land" title="The Little Folks of Animal Land" /> +</div> + +<p>There is no other book like this, nor has there been. Mr. Frees has no +equal in the posing and photographing of pet animals, especially kittens +and puppies, which he delights to clothe in quaintly human style and +cause to appear intently engaged in all manner of human duties and +pastimes. His clever imagination also lends itself readily to +entertaining story-telling. The result is a book that surprises and +delights all who see it. Each of sixty half-tones from photographs of +living, costumed pets is faced by a page of bright descriptive +narrative. The continuation of story-interest is remarkably good, and +the pictures are a wonderful proof of what skill can do when combined +with patience and kindness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The novelty of the year in children's books, +exquisitely illustrated and printed, and appealing +to every lover of pets. The only way to really +know and enjoy this wonderful volume is to get it +and live with it. There is no other book like +this, nor has there been any."—<i>Universalist +Leader.</i></p> + +<p>"We hardly know of such a delicious book for +little children, with sixty little stories and the +same number of lovely full-page pictures of cats +and dogs and dolls, for the delight of grown-ups +just as surely as the little folks. It is a +pleasant little feast all the way through for the +eyes and the tender feelings."—<i>Herald and +Presbyter.</i></p> + +<p>"There is a good deal of both fun and sentiment in +the stories, and they will appeal to all lovers of +pets."—<i>Brooklyn Daily Eagle.</i> </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class="center"><b>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by +the publishers</b><br /> + +Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> +<h2>THE SLEEPY-TIME STORY-BOOK</h2> + +<h3>By RUTH O. DYER</h3> + +<div class="center">With Frontispiece by <span class="smcap">Alice Barber Stephens</span> and Fifty-four +Pen-and-ink Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Bertha Davidson +Hoxie</span> Decorative End-leaves and Title-page<br /> +<br /> +Price, Net, $1.00; Postpaid, $1.10</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 230px;"> +<img src="images/stsb.png" width="230" height="301" alt="The Sleepy-Time Story Book" title="The Sleepy-Time Story Book" /> +</div> + +<p>Intelligent mothers have learned better than to spoil the restful sleep +of a child, and probably exert an unfortunate influence upon his +disposition and character, by tales of ogres, dark woods, and savage +beasts. They know he cannot rest well with his mind excited and his +blood quickened by tales of adventure, but are at a loss to answer the +natural plea for a bed-time story in a way that shall interest and yet +soothe. The simple nature-stories in this attractive book are the +prescription of an expert for all such cases. Using familiar objects, +they, with words adapted to a lulling tone of voice, will hold the +attention of a child until refreshing drowsiness comes to bring +healthful rest.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"A unique and delightful volume of restful stories +by which the mother may put her little child to +bed. They meet not only the need of the mother who +thinks she does not know how to tell stories, but +their slow cadences must be almost magical in the +way of lulling a child to refreshing +drowsiness."—<i>Bulletin of the American Institute +of Child Life.</i></p> + +<p>"In the fashion of prose lullabies, Ruth Dyer has +put together a little volume of twenty-five short +stories. Each deals with the things of every-day +child experiences, and aside from the standpoint +of nap-time stories, forms a pleasant lesson for +the child consciousness in making it aware of its +surroundings."<i>—The Churchman.</i></p> + +<p>"Pretty little bedside tales of the tranquilizing +order are grouped in this neat little book for the +pleasure of little people and the relief of +mothers."—<i>Detroit Free Press.</i> </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class="center">For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers<br /> + +Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p> +<h2>New Editions of Two Favorite Books</h2> +<hr style="width: 25%;" /> +<h2>THE LANCE OF KANANA</h2> + +<div class="center">A STORY OF ARABIA</div> + +<h3>By HARRY W. FRENCH ("Abd el Ardavan")</h3> + +<div class="center">Two-color illustrations by Garrett Net, $1.00</div> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 204px;"> +<img src="images/lk.png" width="204" height="287" alt="The Lance of Kanana" title="The Lance of Kanana" /> +</div> + +<div><br /><br /><br /><p>Kanana, a Bedouin youth, though excelling in athletic prowess, is +branded, even by his father, as a coward because he prefers the humble +lot of a shepherd to the warrior's career that he, the son of a sheik +known as the "Terror of the Desert," was expected to follow. "Only for +Allah and Arabia will I lift a lance and take a life," he maintained. +Opportunity to prove his worth soon comes, and the supposed coward, +understood too late, becomes in memory a national hero.</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The stirring story of the loyalty and +self-sacrifice of a Bedouin boy is well worth the +attractive new edition in which it now presents +its rare pictures of fervid +patriotism."—<i>Continent, Chicago.</i> </p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE ADVENTURES</h2> + +<h2>OF MILTIADES PETERKIN PAUL</h2> + +<h3>By JOHN BROWNJOHN</h3> + +<p class="center">Frontispiece by John Goss Illustrated by "Boz"</p> + +<div class="center">Quarto Net, $1.00</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 240px;"> +<img src="images/ampp.png" width="240" height="285" alt="The Adventures of Militiades Peterkin Paul" title="The Adventures of Militiades Peterkin Paul" /> +</div> + +<div><br /><br /><br /><p>Here is a child classic reissued in a finer and handsomer form, in +response to the persistent demand of those who know the mirth-provoking +quality of the exploits of the ingenious small boy named Miltiades +Peterkin Paul and spoken of as "a great traveler, although he was +small." Whoever has once enjoyed the story of the restless little lad +who imitated Don Quixote, and did many other things, is permanently +charmed by it.</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"This youthful Don Quixote, with his travels and +exploits, drives 'dull care' away from the elders +and delights the juniors."—<i>Watchman</i>, <i>N.Y.</i> </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'><i>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers</i><br /> + +Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p> +<h2>HOME ENTERTAINING</h2> + +<h4>What to Do, and How to Do It</h4> + +<h3>Edited by WILLIAM E. CHENERY</h3> + +<div class="center">12mo Cloth Price, Net, $.75 Postpaid, $.85</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 214px;"> +<img src="images/he.png" width="214" height="291" alt="Home Entertaining" title="Home Entertaining" /> +</div> + +<p>This book is the product of years of study and the practical trying-out +of every conceivable form of indoor entertainment. All the games, +tricks, puzzles, and rainy-day and social-evening diversions have been +practised by the editor; many are original with him, and many that are +of course not original have been greatly improved by his intelligence. +All are told in the plainest possible way, and with excellent taste. The +book is well arranged and finely printed. At a low price it places +within the reach of all the very best of bright and jolly means of +making home what it ought to be—the best place for a good time by those +of all ages.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The book is bright and up to date, full of cheer +and sunshine. A good holiday book."—<i>Religious +Telescope</i>, <i>Dayton, Ohio.</i></p> + +<p>"For those who want new games for the home this +book supplies the <i>very</i> best—good, clean, hearty +games, full of fun and the spirit of +laughter."—<i>N.Y. Times.</i></p> + +<p>"Altogether the book is a perfect treasure-house +for the young people's rainy day or social +evening."—<i>New Bedford Standard.</i></p> + +<p>"The arrangement is excellent and the instructions +so simple that a child may follow them. A book +like this is just the thing for social +evenings."—<i>Christian Endeavor World.</i></p> + +<p>"A book giving the best, cleanest and brightest +games and tricks for home +entertaining."—<i>Syracuse Herald.</i></p> + +<p>"The book is clearly written and should prove of +value to every young man who aspires to be the +life of the party."—<i>Baltimore Sun.</i></p> + +<p>"Only good, bright, clean games and tricks appeal +to Mr. Chenery, and he has told in the simplest +and most comprehensive manner how to get up +'amusements for every one.'"—<i>Hartford Courant.</i> </p></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><i>For sale by all booksellers or sent on receipt of postpaid price by the +publishers</i><br /> + +LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<p> </p> + +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's note:</h3> + +<p>Obvious punctuation errors corrected.</p> +</div> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOROTHY DAINTY AT GLENMORE***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 7479-h.txt or 7479-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/7/4/7/7479">http://www.gutenberg.org/7/4/7/7479</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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