ing over with Aunt Winnie."

How much better for Tavia it would have been had she too determined to
"talk the whole thing over" with someone of experience?

Dorothy found her aunt busy writing the boarding school letters, and
when that task had been finished Mrs. White was entirely at the girl's
service. Dorothy tried to unfold to her the situation, without putting
unnecessary blame on Tavia, who was such a jolly girl and so absolutely
free from dread--never had been known to be afraid of anything, Dorothy
declared, and of course there was therefore, all the more reason to be
worried about her risks. To Tavia, a risk was synonymous with sport.

"I had no idea she would be interested in that sort of thing," said
Mrs. White, referring to the matter of going on the stage, "and,
perhaps, Dorothy--"

"But I am not at all sure that she is interested in it, auntie,"
Dorothy interrupted. "I am only afraid she may get more letters from
that girl-- And besides, I will be so lonely without her, and I know
she will miss me."

"Well, there, little girl," and the aunt kissed Dorothy's cheek, "you
take things too seriously. We will see what can be done. I, too, like
Tavia, She is an impulsive girl, but as good as gold, and I will always
be interested in her welfare."

"Thank you, auntie dear. You are so kind and so generous. It would
seem enough to be bothered with me, but to give you further trouble
with my friends--"

"Nonsense, my dear, it is no trouble whatever. I heartily enjoy having
your confidences, and you may rest assured very little harm will come
to the girl who chooses a wise woman for her adviser. And I do hope,
Dorothy, I am wise in girls' ways if not in points of law, as your dear
father always contends."

"And auntie," went on Dorothy, rather timidly, "I want to tell you
something else, Alice MacAllister brought a girl to visit me this
afternoon, and she said such strange things about yesterday's
accidents. She was positively disagreeable."

"You are too sensitive, child. Of course people will say strange
things every time they get a chance--some people. But you must not
bother your pretty head about such gossip. When you do what is right,
good people will always think well of you and, after all, their opinion
is all that we really care for, isn't it?"

"But why should she be so rude? She is a perfect stranger to me?"

"Some girls think it smart to be rude, Dorothy. What did she say that