"Well, you see there was a military parade and the soldiers looked so
queer in their red uniforms and their funny little caps on the sides
of their heads that--that--that I forgot. I mean the timetable told
the right hour, course, but the first train was behind and so--and
so--"

It was a very lame excuse and Dolly knew it. But it was the truth and
as such she gave it.

Miss Tross-Kingdon made no reply. Inwardly she was commenting upon
Dorothy's pronunciation of certain words, which was wholly at fault
according to English custom, and realizing that here was the first
fault to be corrected in her new pupil.

Dorothy's heart sank. Uncle Seth's last advice to her had been:

"Whenever you feel blue, just wave your flag of high courage and march
ahead. Don't stop to think! March, march, march--toward the better
time that will surely come."

But that high-courage flag hung limply now and she felt she could
never again wave it at all. But, fortunately, the Lady Principal now
rose to terminate the interview. Touching an electric bell for the
maid on night duty, she said:

"It is very late and you are tired. Dawkins will show you to your
cubicle and assist you in undressing. You may omit your bath,
to-night, and are allowed an extra hour of sleep in the morning. Where
are your suit case and hand bag?"

Dorothy rose, as the lady did, but a fresh feeling of guilt made her
eyes fall as she murmured:

"I--don't--know."

"Don't know!" echoed the Lady Principal, in amazement. Then directing
Dawkins to supply what was needed, she returned to her interrupted
repose, while Dorothy wearily followed the stern-faced maid; being
cautioned, meanwhile:

"Do not dare to make a noise and arouse the young ladies."

Yet arrived at the cubicle, or small division of the great dormitory
which had been assigned her, Dorothy realized that Dawkins was kinder
than she looked. For presently she was being undressed, her face and
hands sponged with cool water, and herself reclothed with the freshest
of gowns. Then she was bodily lifted into the dainty little bed as if
she were a baby.

This unexpected gentleness touched her heart and, flinging her arms
about the maid's neck, she sobbed:

"Oh! do be good to me! I am so desolate!"

"Whist, child! We must no be wakin' the troublesome girls around. And
sure the lonesomeness'll pass, like the dew afore sun, once you get a
good sleep and meet up with your mates. Good night, child, and sleep