Part 24 (1/2)

”When?” gasped Viola. Then to hide the joy that Dorothy's words brought her, she continued, ”Do you have to go? Is someone ill?”

”No, not at home. But I am afraid I'll be ill if I do not stop this worrying,” and Dorothy indeed looked very pale and miserable. Even Viola could not help noticing that.

”I wouldn't blame you,” spoke Viola. ”It's dreadful to be homesick.”

”But I am not homesick,” replied Dorothy. ”I would not allow that feeling to conquer me when I know what it meant for father to let me come here. I must make good use of my time, and not be foolish. But no matter how I try to be happy, it seems useless. And I know I am not strong enough to keep that up. So,” and Dorothy sighed heavily, leaning her head against the blanket that covered the foot of her bed, ”I feel I must go away!”

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She loved Glenwood and could not bear the thought of leaving the school which had been so pleasant before Tavia went, and before that awful afternoon in the hall.

”What I really wanted to ask you, Dorothy, is about that story.”

”What story?”

”You are not listening to me, Dorothy, and I am just as miserable as I can be. Do tell me you will do what I ask.”

”I certainly was listening, and I am sorry you are miserable. But what is it you want me to do?”

Viola decided instantly upon a bold strike. She would make her demand and then follow it up so closely Dorothy would not know just what she was giving her promise to.

”Mrs. Pangborn sent for me to-night, and gave me such a dreadful scolding, I just cried myself sick,” said Viola, ”and now when she sends for you, and asks you about that ride, I want you to promise you will not deny it!”

”Certainly I shall not deny it! Why should I?”

”Then, if she wants to know what it is all about, just don't give her any more information. Say you did ride in the patrol wagon and that I had not told a lie. She actually said she would dismiss me if--if you said I had told what was not true. And oh, Dorothy! You know that would kill mother! Just as sure as a shot from a gun would kill her, my dismissal from Glenwood would do it!”

”But why should you be dismissed? If you only told the story in fun, and it has done no harm--”

”Of course that's exactly the way to look at it. But I'm so afraid Mrs. Pangborn will take another view of it. Promise me, Dorothy! Oh, please promise me!” and Viola actually knelt before the girl on the bedside. ”When Mrs. Pangborn asks for an explanation just say I told the truth, that you did ride in the police wagon. And then if she insists on hearing all the story make some excuse, but do not tell it!

Oh! if you knew how worried I am! And how dreadful it would be if she took it into her head to dismiss me!”

As Viola expected, she did bewilder Dorothy. Why should Viola weep and carry on so? But of course her mother was very delicate and perhaps it might get mixed up so that Viola would be blamed!

As if anything could be more mixed than that story was at present!

Dorothy arranging to leave school because she could not find out why her companions had taken a sudden dislike to her, and Viola there telling her why, and yet keeping the real truth as far from her as it had ever been hidden.

”But why should I not tell Mrs. Pangborn about the ride if she asks me?” insisted Dorothy, trying to see what was hidden from her.

”Because, don't you see, those girls may have made foolish remarks, and they will be blamed on me. Just because I was silly enough to believe they could see through a joke. And if you do not tell the story, there can be no further complications. It may be a little hard but, oh, Dorothy! do promise me!” and again Viola grasped both Dorothy's cold hands in hers.

”I certainly would not do anything that would bring trouble on you,”

reflected Dorothy aloud, ”especially if that might worry your poor, sick mother.”

”Oh, you darling! I knew you would promise. Now, no matter what Mrs.

Pangborn says, promise you will not do more than admit you took the ride--be sure not to say why you took it!”

Dorothy was not suspicious by nature, else she would have seen through the thin veil that hung between Viola and that word ”promise.” She was using it too frequently for good taste, but she wanted and insisted on getting a real, absolute Promise.