?

Mrs. Pangborn was ready in the recreation hall, some of the others were
there discussing their characters and other things. The hour for the
rehearsal came, and with it appeared some twenty girls, among them, but
not their leader (so it seemed) being Viola Green.

They approached Mrs. Pangborn and then Adele Thomas spoke.

"Mrs. Pangborn," she began with flushed cheeks, "we have come to say
that we cannot take part in the play unless another girl is selected
for the character of Lalia."

"Why!" demanded the astonished principal. "What does this mean!" and
she too flushed at the very idea of her pupils' insurrection.

"Because--" faltered the spokeswoman, "we do not like her. She has
pretended to be what she is not, and never will be."

This was a bold speech. Dorothy Dale paled to the lips.

"Hush this instant!" ordered the surprised Mrs. Pangborn. "Let no one
dare make such an assertion. If anything is wrong my office is the
place to settle it. Leave the hall instantly. I shall send for you
when I desire to make an investigation."

Mrs. Pangborn placed her hand tenderly on Dorothy's shoulder as she
passed out.

"Do not worry, dear," she whispered. "This is some nonsense those
girls with the new club idea have originated. It will be all right."

But Dorothy flew to her room and alone she cried--cried as if her heart
would break! If only Tavia had not left her! If Rose-Mary would only
come to her! Where was Rose-Mary? She had not even appeared at class
that day. But, after all, what did it matter? Perhaps she too--no,
Dorothy could not believe that. Rose-Mary would never condemn her
unheard.

How long Dorothy lay there sobbing out her grief on the little white
bed, she did not know. Dusk came and the supper hour, but she made no
attempt to leave the room. A maid had been sent to her with some toast
and tea, and a line from dear Miss Crane, but Dorothy was utterly
unable to do more than murmur a word of thanks to be repeated to the
thoughtful teacher.

When it grew so dark that the window shadows no longer tried to cheer
her with their antics, Dorothy was startled by a sudden tap at her
door, and, the next moment, Rose-Mary had her in her warm, loving arms.

[Illustration: THE NEXT MOMENT, ROSE-MARY HAD HER IN HER WARM, LOVING
ARMS--_Page_ 172]

"What is it?" demanded the older girl at once. "Tell me about it.
What have they said to you?"

"Oh, Rose-Mary," sobbed Dorothy, bursting