Part 22 (1/2)

”Mrs. Pangborn,” she began with flushed cheeks, ”we have come to say that we cannot take part in the play unless another girl is selected for the character of Lalia.”

”Why!” demanded the astonished princ.i.p.al. ”What does this mean!” and she too flushed at the very idea of her pupils' insurrection.

”Because--” faltered the spokeswoman, ”we do not like her. She has pretended to be what she is not, and never will be.”

This was a bold speech. Dorothy Dale paled to the lips.

”Hush this instant!” ordered the surprised Mrs. Pangborn. ”Let no one dare make such an a.s.sertion. If anything is wrong my office is the place to settle it. Leave the hall instantly. I shall send for you when I desire to make an investigation.”

Mrs. Pangborn placed her hand tenderly on Dorothy's shoulder as she pa.s.sed out.

”Do not worry, dear,” she whispered. ”This is some nonsense those girls with the new club idea have originated. It will be all right.”

But Dorothy flew to her room and alone she cried--cried as if her heart would break! If only Tavia had not left her! If Rose-Mary would only come to her! Where was Rose-Mary? She had not even appeared at cla.s.s that day. But, after all, what did it matter? Perhaps she too--no, Dorothy could not believe that. Rose-Mary would never condemn her unheard.

How long Dorothy lay there sobbing out her grief on the little white bed, she did not know. Dusk came and the supper hour, but she made no attempt to leave the room. A maid had been sent to her with some toast and tea, and a line from dear Miss Crane, but Dorothy was utterly unable to do more than murmur a word of thanks to be repeated to the thoughtful teacher.

When it grew so dark that the window shadows no longer tried to cheer her with their antics, Dorothy was startled by a sudden tap at her door, and, the next moment, Rose-Mary had her in her warm, loving arms.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE NEXT MOMENT, ROSE-MARY HAD HER IN HER WARM, LOVING ARMS--_Page_ 172]

”What is it?” demanded the older girl at once. ”Tell me about it.

What have they said to you?”

”Oh, Rose-Mary,” sobbed Dorothy, bursting into fresh tears, ”why did you leave me all alone?”

”Why, I did not leave you! I had to go into Rainsville early this morning, and have just this very minute gotten back. Mrs. Pangborn knew I would be late and sent James with the cart to meet me.”

”Oh, I did not know you were out of school,” and the explanation afforded Dorothy at least one ray of relief.

”Didn't Nita tell you? I asked her to do so at study hour.”

”Not a girl has spoken to me all day!” declared the weeping one. ”Oh, Rose-Mary, what do you think it is all about?”

”I cannot find out. They seem determined not to let me know. I thought you could tell me.”

”I haven't the slightest idea. If only Ned or d.i.c.k would tell you then I might have a chance--”

”I'll never sleep until I find out!” declared Rose-Mary. ”The idea!”

and her brown eyes flashed indignantly. ”I never heard of such a thing! You poor little dear!” and she held Dorothy to her in an unmistakable embrace.

”If Tavia were here--”

”Yes, she would settle it soon enough--with her fists if necessary.

And I do believe that such work deserves just such treatment. But I will do all I can for you, and perhaps our vengeance will be just as sure if not so swift!”

”It seems strange that all the girls should take the same view of it,”

reflected Dorothy. ”I should think some of them would speak to me about it.”