be happy, it seems useless. And I know I am not
strong enough to keep that up. So," and Dorothy sighed heavily,
leaning her head against the blanket that covered the foot of her bed,
"I feel I must go away!"

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She loved Glenwood and could not bear
the thought of leaving the school which had been so pleasant before
Tavia went, and before that awful afternoon in the hall.

"What I really wanted to ask you, Dorothy, is about that story."

"What story?"

"You are not listening to me, Dorothy, and I am just as miserable as I
can be. Do tell me you will do what I ask."

"I certainly was listening, and I am sorry you are miserable. But what
is it you want me to do?"

Viola decided instantly upon a bold strike. She would make her demand
and then follow it up so closely Dorothy would not know just what she
was giving her promise to.

"Mrs. Pangborn sent for me to-night, and gave me such a dreadful
scolding, I just cried myself sick," said Viola, "and now when she
sends for you, and asks you about that ride, I want you to promise you
will not deny it!"

"Certainly I shall not deny it! Why should I?"

"Then, if she wants to know what it is all about, just don't give her
any more information. Say you did ride in the patrol wagon and that I
had not told a lie. She actually said she would dismiss me if--if you
said I had told what was not true. And oh, Dorothy! You know that
would kill mother! Just as sure as a shot from a gun would kill her,
my dismissal from Glenwood would do it!"

"But why should you be dismissed? If you only told the story in fun,
and it has done no harm--"

"Of course that's exactly the way to look at it. But I'm so afraid
Mrs. Pangborn will take another view of it. Promise me, Dorothy! Oh,
please promise me!" and Viola actually knelt before the girl on the
bedside. "When Mrs. Pangborn asks for an explanation just say I told
the truth, that you did ride in the police wagon. And then if she
insists on hearing all the story make some excuse, but do not tell it!
Oh! if you knew how worried I am! And how dreadful it would be if she
took it into her head to dismiss me!"

As Viola expected, she did bewilder Dorothy. Why should Viola weep and
carry on so? But of course her mother was very delicate and perhaps it
might get mixed up so that Viola would be blamed!

As if anything could be more mixed than that story was at present!
Dorothy arranging to lea