at word. I
merely asked that you would, if possible, not make known to Mrs.
Pangborn the details of the story. Of course I was foolish to think
you would care about their effect upon me, or my dying mother."

Viola rose to leave. Tears were in her eyes and she did look forlorn.

"I will do all I can to save you," Dorothy assured her, "and if I can
avoid the story, without being impertinent, I promise to do so."

"Oh, bless you, Dorothy Dale!" exclaimed the now truly miserable girl.
"I am sure, then, that it will be all right. When you make a promise
you know how to keep it!" and before Dorothy could say another word her
visitor was gone.

CHAPTER XIX

THE TANGLED WEB

What happened that night seemed like a dream to Dorothy. Accustomed to
think of others and to forget herself, she pondered long and earnestly
over the grief that Viola had shown. Surely there was some strange
influence between mother and daughter. Dorothy remembered the looks
akin to adoration that Mrs. Green continually gave her daughter that
day in the train. Viola had certainly done an imprudent thing in
telling the story, Dorothy had no idea it was more than imprudent;
neither did she know how seriously that act had affected herself. Even
now, as she tried to grasp the entire situation, it never occurred to
her that this was the story that stood between her and the friendship
of the Glenwood girls. For the time that unpleasant affair was almost
forgotten--this new problem was enough to wrestle with.

Early the next morning Mrs. Pangborn sent for Dorothy. The president's
appearance immediately struck the girl as different; she was in
mourning.

"I hope you have not lost a dear friend," said Dorothy, impulsively,
before Mrs. Pangborn had addressed her.

"Yes, Dorothy," she replied, "I have--lost my father."

There was no show of emotion, but the girl saw that no grief could be
keener.

"I am so sorry," said Dorothy.

"Yes, my dear, I am sure you are. And your father knew him well. They
were very old friends."

"I have heard him speak of Mr. Stevens."

"Yes, I suppose you have. Well, his troubles are over, I hope. But,
Dorothy, I sent to ask you about that story some of the young ladies
have been circulating about you. Of course it is all nonsense--"

"What story have you reference to, Mrs. Pangborn?"

"You must have heard it. That you and Octavia were seen getting out of
a police patrol wagon in Dalton. It is