place he'd bought out here in the
suburbs, hoping the open-air life might cure her. She'd gone into
chicken and flower culture, thinking she could help in the payment.
They were proud of Robin, the 'brightest, merriest, best boy in the
Glen,' John claims, and had somehow got a second-hand bicycle for him
to ride into school for the 'grand eddication' they wanted he should
have. Then the father died and Robin got a position as messenger boy.
Every cent he earned he gave his mother and she took in sewing. They
ate just as little as they could and the result has been disastrous. A
growing boy can't work all day and half the night, sometimes, on a
diet of bread and water. So last night he fainted on his trip and fell
off his wheel in the middle of the road. Then I came speeding along
toward home and smashed them both up. But it's an ill wind that blows
nobody good and the lad's accident may turn out his blessing. Dorothy
and I and the Dame have mended a collar bone and a couple of ribs
and my ambitious young 'Mercury' is laid up for repairs. John
'step-and-fetched' the mother, Mrs. Locke, and she, too, will get some
rest and nourishment. She's worrying a good deal, but has no need.
Plucky little Robin will soon be chirping again, 'fine as silk.'
Maybe, after school hours, Miss Tross-Kingdon will permit me to take
Dorothy with me in the car to visit her patient. May I, Madam?"

The Lady Principal did not look pleased. The Bishop's and the doctor's
treatment of the new pupil had really softened her heart toward the
girl, but she was a stickler for "rules" and "discipline," and
remembered that this was not the day on which her "young ladies" were
allowed to pay visits.

"Thank you, Doctor Winston, but I am obliged to decline the invitation
for to-day. She has entered Oak Knowe some time after the opening of
term and must pass examination, that I may understand for which Form
she is best fitted. Nor have I yet been advised of such houses as her
guardians desire her to visit. Commonly, the young ladies of Oak Knowe
do not consort with laborers and messenger boys. But I thank you for
your courtesy toward her; and, as that is the bell for my class in
Greek, I must beg you to excuse me and I wish you good morning, Dr.
Winston. Come, Miss Calvert, I will have your examination begin at
once. Make your obeisance to the doctor."

Dolly's heart sank. Why should she be made to feel so guilty and
insignificant? Still, as she turned to