versation with you,
but if Ouida and Tory won't be bored I don't mind if they hear what I
wish to say. Perhaps if you don't see things my way to the extent I
want you to, they may help me."

Dorothy looked frightened. "Oh, Lance! What in the world are you going
to propose? Please don't ask me to take your part if you have been
having an argument with father. I may not think you are in the right.
Suppose we have afternoon tea before you tell us anything. We brought
the tea things over in the canoe and Ouida and I have been collecting
the materials for a fire."

Doggedly Lance shook his head.

"No, it will take more than a half hour before the water can possibly
boil. I can't wait so long.

"I have had an argument with father, Dorothy. I don't see how you
managed to guess. I went in to see him yesterday and stayed all night
at home. We talked until after midnight. I am going back home now
after I have confided in you, so I did not care to wear my uniform."

As if she suddenly had grown tired, Dorothy seated herself on the
ground, Lance standing above and staring down at her an eager,
appealing light in his brown eyes.

Embarrassed by their own position, Tory and Louise were moving away
when a swift inclination of Lance's hand beckoned them to remain.

"I want you to stay, please do. I believe Dot is going to be
difficult. I did not think so when I came out to talk things over with
her. She is always claiming that I am her favorite brother yet when it
comes to a test she is far oftener on any one's side than mine."

"That is not because I do not care for you but because I feel you are
often wrong, Lance, and for your own sake I am obliged to differ with
you," Dorothy answered, as if she were on the defensive.

"Oh, well, all right, here goes. Perhaps I am wrong again," Lance
returned. "Nevertheless you and father might as well understand that I
am in earnest and sooner or later mean to have my way."

At this instant Lance sat down beside his sister, Tory and Ouida
following his example, but a few feet away as if they were interested
but reluctant.

Persuasively Lance placed his arm around his sister.

"Dot, does it ever occur to you that a fellow may have a right to his
mistakes? The rest of my family is so almighty sensible that if I am
never to be allowed to have my own way I'll never learn anything.

"Do you remember about two weeks ago when Mr. Fenton talked to us
about the Greek spirit? He said that to