ur
vacations together. You know I am going to camp with Cologne, and she
has included you in the invitation."

"As Dorothy's paper-weight--no, it can't be that--I could never keep
anything down--it must have been Dorothy's watch-charm," interrupted
Tavia, with a slight show of sarcasm.

"Rose-Mary was particularly anxious that you should come, Tavia,"
declared Dorothy, with emphasis, "and she has the reputation of never
giving an insincere invitation. She likes you, and wants to enjoy you,
as well as to have you enjoy yourself."

"Three cheers for the enjoys," retorted Tavia, "and may their shadow
never grow less. But say, Dorothy, how did you get out of the scrape?
I was a traitor to run, but somehow I couldn't stand for Higley's
look. When she puts her alleged features at half mast, and sounds
taps, I have to quit."

"But we had to stand. I can't see any good reason for telling you
about it--making a report to the deserter."

"Now, Doro," and Tavia fairly melted into sweetness, "I simply cannot
slumber until I have heard. Did Nita peach?"

"There was nothing to hide in our part of the--comedy," declared
Dorothy. "Of course, we skipped the man part, and left out the hay
cart dump, besides omitting the sheep act, and forgetting the farmer's
whip----"

"Hip! Hip!" threatened Tavia. "Couldn't have done better myself. And
no one ordered to the guard house?"

"You have not yet been accounted for," said Dorothy, with well-aimed
meaning. "Miss Higley said she would see to your account herself."

"Will, eh? Not if I see her first. Did any one say I was there? I
should think, with such remarkable skill at omitting, that you might
have had the good taste to omit me."

"Tavia, does it strike you that this is packing-up night? That
to-morrow we make all our bouquets of remembrance, more or less
artificial, and that the day following----"

"We flit the flutter! And good riddance! I just abhor school--notice
how I have improved? Last year I 'hated' it."

"And I must admit you have improved otherwise than in your
vocabulary," said Dorothy. "Seems to me you have grown almost tall."

"Thanks, pretty maiden. Any more in stock like that?" and Tavia jumped
up to get a look in the glass. "Tell me, before I shrink--in your
opinion," she begged, making queer passes before the mirror. "But say,
Doro, do you ever take a look at yourself? I have to say you are
simply splendid, and that's putting it mild. The Dalton youths will