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 Dick 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."

"No good to try guessing at such a thing," said Rose-Mary, wisely.
"And now do eat up that toast. Who sent it?"

"Miss Crane."

"The dear! I hold Camille Crane the guardian angel of Glenwood. But
eat her toast. There, take this sip of tea, or shall I light the lamp
under it?"

"I like it cold," said Dorothy, whose lips were quite feverish. "I
will take the toast--I feel so much better since I have you back."

"But if I am to see Dick and Ned I must be about it," spoke Rose-Mary,
consulting her watch. "Just go to sleep and don't worry a single bit.
I'll tell you all about it to-morrow," and, with a hearty kiss, the
sweet girl was gone.

As if events conspired to keep Dorothy worrying, it was announced the
next morning that Mrs. Pangborn had been called to Boston and this
meant, of course, that the investigation would have to wait for her
return.

Neither was Rose-Mary successful in gaining the desired information.
Molly had not heard all about it, neither had Edna, so they said, but
they did admit they had promised not to tell either Rose or Dorothy,
f