ed her teacher. "I know that you were severely tried. My
private opinion of Flora Harris is not a flattering one, but Madge
Morton is too great of spirit not to admit her fault and apologize to
Miss Harris for telling the brutal truth in a brutal manner."

Madge gazed almost sternly into the other woman's serious eyes. "I will
apologize to Miss Harris on one condition only," her red lips took on
an obstinate curve, "if Mrs. Curtis wishes me to do so."

CHAPTER VIII

THE HOUR OF TRIUMPH

The morning after the boat race Tom Curtis came over to see the girls
in the launch, and took Madge back to Old Point with him to see his
mother.

Mrs. Curtis was not proof against Madge's sincere apology. She had been
very angry with her young friend until Tom had privately assured her
that Madge's abrupt accusation was true. Flora and Alice had won the
race unfairly. One pleading look from the little captain's blue eyes
the next morning caused her to surrender. She was no longer sure that
she wished Madge to apologize to a girl who had been guilty of so
dishonorable an action.

"I am sorry that you and Flora are not on friendly terms," she said
regretfully. "I am afraid we can not give the play. Flora Harris will
no doubt withdraw from the cast simply to complicate matters."

"Mrs. Curtis," said Madge with compelling directness, "would you rather
I should apologize to Flora Harris?"

Mrs. Curtis eyed Madge reflectively. "I don't know, my dear," she
hesitated.

"I am going to do it!" cried Madge, springing to her feet. "Don't say a
word; I'd rather make Miss Harris fifty apologies than spoil all your
lovely plans."

Mrs. Curtis insisted firmly on accompanying Madge to Flora Harris's
home. The little captain walked across the parade ground at Fortress
Monroe to the house of Colonel Harris, her face very pale, her auburn
head held high.

They had been seated in the Harris's drawing room for at least ten
minutes before Flora Harris entered. She did not so much as glance at
Madge, although she greeted Mrs. Curtis rather effusively.

If Mrs. Curtis could have signaled to Madge, she would not have
permitted her to humiliate herself by an apology to this ill-bred girl.
She was extremely angry at Flora's rudeness and regretted that she had
held the slightest sympathy for her. But before she could catch Madge's
eye the little captain had begun her apology.

"Miss Harris," she declared quietly, "I am very sorry to have cr