ly want to say to Dorothy that I am specially anxious to have our
camp of Girl Scouts make friends with the Boy Scouts. I have a special
reason and promised to do my best with the girls. But of course I know
I have not a great deal of influence, like you have Dorothy, or
Margaret Hale, or Tory Drew."

Teresa's voice and manner became vaguely plaintive.

"Then we could have occasional dances, or supper parties, something to
vary the outdoor monotony. Oh, of course I love the camp better than
being at home. I only thought we were going to have some other
associates beside just our own Troop. Most of the boys are our old
friends and Don and Lance are your brothers, Dorothy. I don't see any
point in our always avoiding each other."

"I see, Teresa, feminine society is not enough for you. I wonder if it
ever will be," Louise remarked with such profound disgust and
annoyance that Dorothy shook her head reproachfully.

"Don't be so cross, Ouida, I am sure Teresa does not mean any great
harm. I like boys, I am obliged to like them with six brothers of my
own. Besides, I feel as Teresa does that it is stupid and self
righteous of us to continue to refuse to have anything to do with the
Boy Scouts simply because they once offended us. Certainly I miss the
opportunity to see Lance and Don now and then."

Anxious to be out of the conversation, Louise Miller picked up a book
of nature studies on the New England country, by John Burroughs, and
began reading.

Teresa Peterson's nature was not a straightforward one. Without actual
proof Louise Miller felt this instinctively. Of course there was no
great harm in her. But then all the more reason why she might make
mischief without intending it.

A few moments later the three girls moved back toward camp. Tent
inspection was over and they were going for an all-day hike through
the woods.

CHAPTER VIII

LIGHT AND SHADE

Victoria Drew sat on the lowest step leading into the evergreen cabin.
This was the name she preferred to call it. Inside Kara lay asleep.

There was no one else at the camp in Beechwood Forest at this moment.

The other girls and the Troop Captain had departed for a day's hike,
not to return until late afternoon.

Nevertheless Tory and Kara had not been alone. This never occurred;
Edith Linder had remained to be useful and to relieve Tory. As a
matter of fact, the Troop Captain, Miss Mason, and half a dozen girls
had insisted that Tory go forth fo