ar figures to
her world. But Sally confused and tired, hurt and bewildered, not by her
own actions or any one's else, but by a web of circumstance, was a new
study.

"No, I would prefer not to sit down, Miss Patricia, and in any case I
would not have you stand," Sally answered, still with an innate sense of
her own dignity and value which at no time in her life was she ever
wholly to lose. "Alice seems to have told you some disagreeable story
about me. So I think it just as well for me to tell you the exact truth.
I hope I can make you understand. I suppose I should have confided in
some one before, but until a few hours ago I did not feel that I had the
privilege."

Sally's golden brown eyes with the heavy upcurling lashes, which gave to
her face the expression of unusual softness, were now gazing upward into
Miss Patricia's. The latter's eyes were gallant also and steadfast, nor
did Sally find them so distrustful as she had anticipated.

"Very well, my dear, go on with your story. I thought Alice was too much
excited," Miss Patricia returned, seating herself in her upright chair,
as Sally seemed to prefer her to be seated.

Then with her little dressing gown wrapped about her as if it had been a
Roman toga, Sally told the history of the past weeks, her unexpected
discovery of the wounded soldier amid the ruins of the old French
chateau, her belief that he was a runaway prisoner and notwithstanding
this, her effort, with Jean's assistance, to restore him to health.

Sally's explanation was less confused than her conversation with the
French soldier a short time before. However, since that hour many things
had become clearer in her own mind. She did not break down until her
story was completed and only then when she turned toward her sister.

"I don't know, Alice, what you and the other Camp Fire girls have been
thinking of me, and I don't believe I care to guess. I know you have not
been generous. But since I don't wish to discuss the subject with any
one save Aunt Patricia, and with Tante of course when she returns, I
wish you would offer the other girls any interpretation of my behavior
you care to give."

At this Sally's voice broke in spite of her efforts at self-control.
When Alice made a step toward her with her arms outstretched to ask
forgiveness, Sally stepped back only to find herself enfolded by Miss
Patricia and to hear Miss Patricia declare:

"I think it would be wiser, Alice, for you to leave Sal