l print dress and hat also, and was
gloveless and heavy shod.

"You're not going to have to go through this all alone, Cecily," she
said.

"Oh, it won't be half so hard now," said Cecily, with a long breath of
relief.

I fancy it was hard enough even then. The Story Girl did not care a
whit, but Cecily rather squirmed under the curious glances that were
cast at her. She afterwards told me that she really did not think she
could have endured it if she had been alone.

Mr. Campbell met us under the elms in the churchyard, with a twinkle in
his eye.

"Well, you did it, Miss," he said to Cecily, "but you should have been
alone. That was what I meant. I suppose you think you've cheated me
nicely."

"No, she doesn't," spoke up the Story Girl undauntedly. "She was all
dressed and ready to come before she knew I was going to dress the same
way. So she kept her bargain faithfully, Mr. Campbell, and I think you
were cruel to make her do it."

"You do, eh? Well, well, I hope you'll forgive me. I didn't think she'd
do it--I was sure feminine vanity would win the day over missionary
zeal. It seems it didn't--though how much was pure missionary zeal and
how much just plain King spunk I'm doubtful. I'll keep my promise, Miss.
You shall have your five dollars, and mind you put my name in the round
space. No five-cent corners for me."

CHAPTER XXIV. A TANTALIZING REVELATION

"I shall have something to tell you in the orchard this evening," said
the Story Girl at breakfast one morning. Her eyes were very bright and
excited. She looked as if she had not slept a great deal. She had spent
the previous evening with Miss Reade and had not returned until the rest
of us were in bed. Miss Reade had finished giving music lessons and was
going home in a few days. Cecily and Felicity were in despair over this
and mourned as those without comfort. But the Story Girl, who had been
even more devoted to Miss Reade than either of them, had not, as I
noticed, expressed any regret and seemed to be very cheerful over the
whole matter.

"Why can't you tell it now?" asked Felicity.

"Because the evening is the nicest time to tell things in. I only
mentioned it now so that you would have something interesting to look
forward to all day."

"Is it about Miss Reade?" asked Cecily.

"Never mind."

"I'll bet she's going to be married," I exclaimed, remembering the ring.

"Is she?" cried Felicity and Cecily together.

The Story Girl t