r, the Camp Fire Guardian
whom Nan cared for so deeply, and she certainly was quite as pretty as
his sister had said. So why should young Dr. Barton be staring at her
so severely? Miss Dyer was only laughing and talking idly with Frank
Wharton; and every now and then she turned to smile and speak to the
little girl who sat close beside her. This must be Faith, the youngest
of the Sunrise girls, whose mother had lately died and who was now
living with Miss Dyer.

Anthony smiled unexpectedly, so that Betty, who happened to be glancing
toward him at the moment, was vexed over his ability to amuse himself.
He had only just guessed why Dr. Barton found it necessary to regard
Miss Dyer so sternly. Anthony felt that he would like to make friends
with this young men. He was evidently somewhat narrow and puritanical,
but already had offered to assist him with any of his studies should he
need help. And Anthony meant to take advantage of his offer and to
interest him if he could; for Dr. Barton was just the kind of a friend
he would like to know intimately in these early days of his struggle.

Dinner was finally over, and, stupidly enough, as the guests began
leaving the table Anthony Graham felt his own shyness and awkwardness
returning. They were intending to dance for the rest of the evening,
and dancing was another of the graces that had been left out of his
education. However, he could find himself an inconspicuous corner
somewhere, and it would be good enough fun to look on.

CHAPTER XII

"LIFE'S LITTLE IRONIES"

"Mollie O'Neill, if you don't tell me what you and Billy Webster have
been whispering about all evening and why you look so worried, I don't
think I can bear it a moment longer," Betty Ashton insisted, having at
last found her friend alone for a moment, while the other girls and men
were clearing the living room for the dance.

"There isn't anything to tell. At least there really is, but I have
not been told just what," Mollie sighed in return.

"Then of course it's Polly?"

Mollie nodded. "Early this morning before any of us were awake a
telegram arrived from Polly begging mother to come to New York at once.
Polly said she wasn't ill and there was nothing for us to worry over,
but just the same Sylvia and I have been worried nearly to death all
day. For mother got off within a few hours. Then late this evening
Billy Webster appears in Woodford after his visit in New York. And
though he