ntend? Good gracious! I always felt Don had no sense of humor, but
this is worse than I feared.

"Don't you girls appreciate the fact this is to be a farewell serenade
for Kara? Yet Don has read 'Seventeen'! They are half a dozen of the
Boy Scout Band."

"It is very kind of them, I am sure; no reason for you to be so
superior, Lance," Tory answered.

Outside the musicians were beginning the strains of "Auld Lang Syne"
and the little crowd inside the room were silent, Tory thrusting the
girl for whom the honor was intended into the most conspicuous
position and a moment later wrapping a blue scarf about her thin
shoulders.

With their heads close together they listened and watched.

"What are we to do when they have finished, Tory, to show our
appreciation?" Kara whispered. "I am afraid Dr. McClain would not be
willing to have me see them. Shall I go to my room while you receive
them?"

"No," Tory shook her head, glancing about the room. On a center table
was a bowl of red roses, the flowers Mr. Fenton cared for most, that
he had brought as a farewell offering to Kara.

Tory gathered half a dozen in her hands.

"Throw these out and wave good-night," she murmured.

Kara was not able to reach so far and seemed shy at making the
attempt, so that the other girl threw the roses and saw them fall,
crimson spots of color on the white snow.

Don picked one up and waved it, lifting his hat. The other boys
followed his example.

"Good-night, good-by, Kara," they called.

Donald's last glance and good-by was for Tory Drew.

As they closed the window and reluctantly turned away, Dorothy McClain
wore an unusual expression. She was frowning and biting her lips, her
color warmer than usual.

"Do you know, Tory, I believe Don is growing to be as fond of you as
of me."

She slipped her arm through Lance's and held it close.

Lance gave her a reassuring glance.

Tory laughed.

"Never in a thousand years! But if Lance really wants to speak to
Kara, perhaps he would rather we give him the opportunity alone.

"Suppose you come over here and sit on the sofa beside me. You must be
specially good to me when Kara is away."

Seldom was Lance awkward in manner or apparently at a loss for words.
Now he appeared embarrassed and silent.

"No, please don't go away, Tory, you and Dot, not if you can bear
remaining. And you must, to brace up Kara. The truth is I had nothing
special to say to her, but the other afternoon I co