 18. Dorothy Dale, a girl of today Dorothy Dale, a girl of today 18. Dorothy in danger. Picnic day came at last, and with it there drew up to the gate of Dalton school, two four-horse wagons, the regular straw-ride variety. 19. Mr. Ford had provided the conveyances, and when all the girls had been seated on the big side benches with parasols, lunchboxes, and happy smiling faces, the ride itself constituted a thoroughly enjoyable outing. 20. Sarah was there between Dorothy and Tavia, and upon her arrival at the school, the wagon had stopped for her as it came up. She received a hearty welcome, an ovation, Tavia called it. 21. Her face was pale, and her manner nervous, but she whispered aside to Dorothy that she was so happy, and that she could never have been happy with the girls after the trouble if Dorothy had not straightened everything out for her. 22. Miss Alice, too, seemed very much pleased at the prospect of a happy day. After all, she thought, her girls were well worth working for. It was a beautiful day in June, and the ride to the woods was perfumed with the rare and wonderful incense, vapoury sweetness of flowers worn by the soft sunshine of early summer. 23. Blossoms brushed the faces of our friends as the picnic wagons rumbled on, and many a wreath of floral was pressed to the brow of fair graduates as the maple leaves in the hands of willing weavers were made into crowns for the grads. 24. A secret was plainly lurking in the eyes of Alice McAllister. Dorothy had remarked that girls, alone, would probably be lost in the great, dark picnic place, for the pine trees grew so close there. The grounds were often called twilight grove, but Alice only smiled broadly and replied, 24. You just wait, the woods may be enchanted. 25. Splendid idea, declared Tavia. I do need so much a little brownie or a goblin to help me with my housework. Fancy going home with a dear little jack-o'-naps to carry my dinner-pail, and at this suggestion everyone seemed to enjoy the grotesque idea that Tavia had outlined. 26. The grove was finally reached, and the happy picnic party lost no time in leaving the wagons and making for the best spots. But no sooner had they entered the great tall gateway than they were set upon by a tribe of very lively goblins. 27. For, from behind tree and bush, there darted upon the unsuspecting girls a rollicking, frolicing band of boys. The boys' skill, having come to the grove to surprise the girls, and help them enjoy the breaking-up picnic. 28. I told you we might find the woods enchanted, said Alice, who, of course, had learned of the secret, as it was Mr. McAllister who provided the wagons for the boys as well as for the girls. 29. Such running about and such shouting, some lads had hidden in the pines, and now as the girls ran through the grove, the goblins dropped down upon their unsuspecting heads. 30. Tavia and Alice helped make things livelier by gathering up parasols and lunchboxes that had been left in the wagons for safety. 31. These they gave to the boys, who lost no time in forming a brigade, parasols in the air and boxes under arms, to the distress and dismay of the unlucky owners. 32. But there was still another surprise in store for the schoolchildren. When everything was fairly settled down for a day in the woods, a two-seated carriage drove in, and in this were President of the Town Council, Franklin McAllister, the Treasurer of Dalton, Major Dale, Squire Travers, and Ralph Willoughby. 33. Wild cheers went up from the woods as the party entered the grove, first for the President, then for the Major, and a hip-hip and series of hurrays for the new Squire. 34. Certainly it was jolly to have such a crowd in the shady woods. The officials told Miss Alice they came to get acquainted with the pupils of the Dalton schools. 35. Also, they said, it was quite necessary to look after so important a gathering officially, as there was the lake, and other dangers, to which over enthusiastic youths might be more or less exposed. 36. Major Dale and Mr. McAllister only remained long enough to see that everything was satisfactorily started, and then left, charging Ralph Willoughby and Squire Travers to act as special officers. 37. That this was a wise precaution was plainly demonstrated before the day ended. Toward noon the merry-makers scattered throughout the spacious grounds, looking for particularly pleasant spots to eat lunch. 39. This was by no means a difficult matter, for there were rustic benches built around wonderful trees, besides little caves long with soft pine needles, and covered with brown mounds of them. 40. The diversity of natural beauties made this grove famous for many miles around, and never before, perhaps, was every nook and corner so thoroughly explored. 41. Ralph and the Squire roamed around, seeing to it that boys in boats kept a safe distance from the falls coming from the gates and old water wheel. 42. From this falls the roaring of the water could be heard for a considerable distance, and so noisy were the rapids a person might shout at another but a few feet away without being able to make his voice heard. 43. But the falls had a strange charm for Dorothy, and after lunch she wandered there all alone, just to see, to think and to be quiet. 44. Other attractions had now claimed the attention of her companions, and she sat there enjoying the falls alone. 45. She could scarcely hear a voice through the woods, so loudly did the falls splash and splutter. 46. Who, in her place, could have heard a man stealing up to that very spot? Who could know a scoundrel was there, at that moment ready to seize Dorothy? 47. A rough hand clutched her slender arm. That man, Anderson, was glaring into her eyes. Dorothy screamed shrilly, hush, commanded the man, or I'll throw you over the falls, and his hand was upon Dorothy's throat, preventing further outcry. 48. Tell me, he growled. Did Miles Burlock leave his money with your father? Poor Dorothy felt as if the world had gone, and all the woes of death were upon her. 49. Looking about him hastily, the man loosened his hold on her throat for an answer, but instead another shrill scream, rent the air. 50. You little fool, he muttered. Do you want me to throw you over? But at that moment an answer came. Ralph Willoughby bounded through the grove and had Dorothy in his arms before she could realise he was there. 51. Then with a look at Baffle Grage, the man disappeared. Ralph whispered, Dorothy, you are all right now. The young man assured her, putting his arm firmly around the trembling girl. If you feel faint, I can carry you. Do not try to walk. 52. The noise of the falls was gone now. The sky was all black. Oh, gasp, Dorothy, I can't hear or see. I am—it was welcome oblivion, however painful that clutch at her heart. She could not remember. Was it Ralph or the squire? 53. She had been thinking how brave Ralph was, but now she could not think it was all dark night. End of Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Dorothy Dale, A Girl of Today Dorothy Dale, A Girl of Today by Margaret Penrose Chapter 19 A surprise trip. When Ralph Willoughby carried his senseless burden to the platform, where, so short a time before, the girl had been as merry as any of her playmates, Squire Travers determined upon one thing, to form a searching party of all the boys to scour the woods from tree to stump, and, if possible, run down the villain who had attacked Dorothy. The fainting girl was soon revived by the careful ministrations of Miss Sellas, assisted by pupils following her directions, and, before the half-conscious girl realized what had happened to her, the boys were running through the woods, led by the squire and Ralph, bent on finding Anderson. But such reflections were of little use, now that the harm was done. Dorothy was very weak indeed. She felt as if those sinuous fingers were still about her throat, and she could see those terrible eyes peering into hers in spite of all her efforts to forget her awful experience. Some boys had already been sent off to the nearest place where it would be possible to get a conveyance to take her home, and they now returned with a covered carriage. Into this Miss Ellas and Dorothy were assisted, while the remainder of the girls were soon ready to leave the grounds in the large picnic wagons. The boys, to a man, remained in the woods, helping diligently in what now seemed to be a useless search. Over the narrow plank, just above the dam, the man no doubt had escaped to the other side, where the old ruins of a mill with a big water wheel made a safe hiding place for the fellow. The squire-travers was much annoyed and worried over the occurrence, to think such a thing could happen with him right there in the woods seemed incredible. But Ralph assured him a similar thing had happened in the public streets of Dalton, and the same man had gotten away. Why should it be strange then that he would be able to make his escape in a dense woods? That he must be caught, insisted the squire, if we have to canvas the entire town and surrounding places to get him. Some boys suggested that they disguise themselves as girls impersonating Dorothy and Tabia, and then wait to be caught, while help remained close at hand. But it was decided such a ruse would hardly work that day, as the man would know well enough the girls would not again leave themselves liable to attack. It was a very discouraged band of boys, with squire-travers and Ralph Willoughby as their leaders. They winded their way back to Dalton Centre that evening. The picnic, of course, had been spoiled, but that did not amount to anything. It was the attack on Dorothy and the escape of her assailant that concerned the searching party. The squire and Ralph, upon reaching town, went directly to the office of President McAllister, and the result of the meeting held there mark an epoch in the history of the township of Dalton. The new squire had outlined a plan that every suspicious character found in the place should be apprehended at once, and no sooner had this edict gone forth than the suspected ones very quietly took their departure. While it was generally believed the trouble had to do with the personal affair, there seemed danger, of course, to all, while such persons as this tramp were at liberty. But confidence was at once established by the ruling of the squire, which put an end to the reign of terror, and Dalton became once more a pleasant place to live in. The details of government had little interest now for Dorothy Dale, as she tossed feverishly about on her bed that night, dreaming of the awful man. Dr. Gray had recommended that someone remain with her, on account of her nervous condition, and Tavia insisted on being allowed to sit up with her friend. A cop was arranged in Dorothy's room for Tavia, but she was too anxious about the sick one to sleep. What if Dorothy should die? What a lonely will this would be for Tavia without her. Several times during the night Aunt Libby came in and tried to induce Tavia to take another room, and allow her to stay with Dorothy, but the volunteer nurse would not leave her post. Do go, Tavia, said Dorothy, who had just opened her eyes and heard Aunt Libby's argument. I'm all right now, only nervous, but I promise myself a whole night with you, and I'm not going to be chased away, just at the witching hour, Tavia insisted. But tired nature produced an argument incontrovertible, and when Tavia stretched out on the comfortable cot, and tried to chat as lively to Dorothy, as if it had been midday on the side porch, she began to feel drowsy. Then she noticed Dorothy did not answer promptly, and so she made her words long and draggy, as mothers do when babies show signs of giving in. Presently there was a hush, both nurse and patient were sound asleep. When Dr Gray called the next morning, he advised a complete change for Dorothy. She was physically well enough, he said, but the shock to her nervous system might result in complete prostration, unless her mind was fetally disabused of the unpleasant memory. Major Dale knew this advice was wise, and he concluded to send Dorothy to visit his sister, Mrs Winthrop White, of North Birchland. Pleasant Company, said the doctor to Major Dale, as he left, is all the girl wants. I wouldn't wonder that that little friend of hers, the lively one, would help her, if it could be made convenient for her to go along. Convenient? That uncertainty had nothing to do with circumstances important to his daughter's help. Major Dale decided, if Tavia's company would be beneficial to Dorothy's health, Tavia should go to North Birchland with Dorothy. The question of school did not signify, either. The major reason, for if Tavia could not afford to lose the remaining weeks in the term, he would see that they were made up for her, amply. Arrangements were quickly made, letters dispatched back and forth, and before the girls had time to think it over themselves, they were told to be ready for the morning train. Oh, isn't it perfectly grand, exclaimed the excited Tavia, but do you think, Doro, I will be able to behave myself, to eat properly, and all that? Why, Tavia, answer Dorothy, you will find real aristocratic people are as simple as we are in manners. It is only those who try to be somebody, and who do not know how, that makes such a fuss over everything. Aunt Winnie is a lovely lady. We call her Winnie, from Winthrop, because her own name is Ruth, and we have another Aunt Ruth, out west. Lucky thing, I had my new dress, and all the other things Aunt Mary sent by express last week. And Father's new suitcase, his men presented him with, when he left the factory, wasn't that providential? asked Tavia. Dorothy admitted it was fortunate, and so, as this was the very evening before their departure, the girls arranged such matters as required, consultation, and then hurried off to attend to so many little things necessary for travellers. Aunt Libby could not hide a tear when Dorothy put her arms about the wrinkled neck, that when Major Dale helped his daughter to step upon the train platform, he was smiling, glad to have her go it seemed. Joe told Johnny, afterwards, that was the way soldiers always act when they face trouble. Mrs. Travers was really glad to have Tavia go, and she did not deny it. It was such a chance for her, she told Aunt Libby, as they went home from the depot. And Tavia, she declared, was a girl who always made the most of her chances. As the train flew along, or dolphin flew away, as it seemed from the car windows, both girls indulged in a very creditable sentiment, a streak of homesickness. It will be fun, of course, remarked Tavia, but it's creepy to leave them all. Passengers about them soon attracted their attention sufficiently to make the journey interesting. Tavia had such a way of seeing things to make Dorothy laugh that little of interest escaped her. Old ladies with black silk bags were her a special prey, and these she never failed to analyse. According to her own special method, women with babies also afforded no end of amusement to Tavia, and when she found a regular nursery cooking outfit in the inn room at the car she could scarcely be restrained. I could make you the nicest clam bullion, she told Dorothy, and besides cooking, that little alcohol lamp is just the thing for hair crimping. I will crimp mine if I can find anything to make a hot paper of in this train. You really must not touch anything, Dorothy and sister. Alarm, lest Tavia should do something reckless. Touch anything? Why, my dear girl, I have tested the entire outfit, and I am going to get one just like it for my hasty breakfasts. The woman to whom the entire outfit belonged was now almost asleep beside her baby. On the end sofa, and Tavia, assuring Dorothy she would stay there indefinitely, sallied forth to further investigate the mysteries of a nursery cooking outfit en route. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org, this reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale, a girl of today by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 20. Eventful Journey As Tavia reached the end sofa, upon which a pretty golden-haired baby, low-cooled beside a sleepy mother, she made a motion to attract the child's attention. The little one saw it at once, promptly slipped down and stole away from the sofa, without in the least disturbing the woman. The tot followed Tavia to the little-in-room. Dorothy saw her going, and though feeling very drowsy herself, which really was the reason Tavia left her alone, Dorothy kept her eyes open long enough to see that the mother was sound asleep and had not missed her baby. I am sure Tavia will take good care of her, thought Dorothy, as she settled down for a rest. She is so fond of children, and it will be a change for the child. Traveling must be very tiresome to such little ones. The train rumbled on, Dorothy thought of home, of the good father and two brothers she had left there. Then she wondered what would happen at North Birchland. It was such a lovely summer place, and her relatives there were sure to do all they could to make this day pleasant. In the White Family there were besides Mrs. Winthrop White, her two sons, Edward and Nathaniel, aged sixteen and fourteen years. Professor White, their father, had died suddenly some years before, while on an expedition out in quest of scientific data. But the White Family possessed almost unlimited means, so that Major Dale's sister, while lonely enough in life, without her husband, had the pleasant duty of bringing up two talented and good-looking boys in a way that befitted the positions they would occupy as their father's sons. The White Family, being among the most aristocratic in New York State, Dorothy had not seen her cousins in three years, the boys' time between vacations, being spent at school, and the intervals of late being occupied with trips abroad. As she travelled on now and became more and more sleepy, Dorothy wondered if Nat were as full of mischief as he used to be when he visited Dolphin, and if Ned still spent his spare time chasing butterflies to add new specimen to his collection. But even these interesting reflections are not to be compared with such sedative influence as the rumbling of a train with a summer breeze coming in the window, and the girl, weary enough from her fright at the falls and its consequent shock to her nervous system, soon forgot to think she was asleep. Meanwhile, Tavia was occupied with the pretty baby in the in-compartment. The child was about three years old and remarkably communicated for her age. The little alcohol lamp, she told Tavia, was used to heat her milk, also to cool her hair, for Mama never took her to the hotel without cools, she said. To bear out this statement, Lily, that was the little stranger's name, produced from a satchel under the washbasin, a tiny pair of cooling irons. It seemed like fate to Tavia. There was the very thing she had been wishing for, cooling tongs. Let's try it, she suggested, as Lily prattled on about the wonderful, real curls that the iron could make. A careful investigation revealed to Tavia the secrets of the alcohol lamp. Everything was there, even to matches. Being sure the lamp was placed firmly upon the marble slab, Tavia struck a match and lighted the wick. There, she said with evident satisfaction, that part was easy enough. You put the iron right in there, directed Lily, and Tavia promptly followed the advice. Sit on my lap while it heats, Tavia told the child, not thinking it's safe to allow her to move about, in the small place, with the strange kind of stove burning. The child jumped up eager to hear a story. The wood kind, full of bears with remarkable appetites, pleased her most. Tavia discovered, and it was in such a mental delight, that the child passed a very happy little minute. It must be hot, said Tavia. She turned, and at that very moment a strange flash shot up to the ceiling. An explosion, then such a blinding flame. With the child still in her arms, Tavia made a dash for the door. Frantically, she pulled at it, but it would not open. The child screamed piteously. Help, help! shouted Tavia, clutching at the knob with one hand, while she clung to the child with the other. Instantly Dorothy was on her feet and down at the little door. Open it! she screamed, for the smell of smoke had reached her on the outside. Without waiting for an answer, or for those at hand to act, Dorothy jumped to her seat and grasped the bell rope. At that moment the door gave in to Tavia's calling, and she fell headlong out into the aisle with the baby in her arms. The train stopped, and breakmen were now running through the cars in search of the trouble. Passengers had broken the toolboxes and were fighting the spreading flames with hand grenades and portable extinguishers. Fainting women called for attention, among these being Lily's mother. Tavia was now lifted to her seat, and Dorothy had called into her ears that the baby was safe. She was not even scratched. But Tavia was not so fortunate, for an ugly red mark showed where the tongue of fire scorched her and her hair. One side was entirely burned off. Dorothy's heart sunk as she noticed the loss, but it was nothing, of course, compared to what might have happened to the baby. The excitement in the rear of the car had, by this time, subsided somewhat, showing that the flames were extinguished. Lily, safe and uninjured, sat in her mother's lap, no danger of her getting away again, evidently. Among the passengers was a doctor who offered his services to Tavia. The burns were slight. He declared that there was danger of shock, and the loss of her beautiful hair was to be regretted. Tavia tried to laugh to assure Dorothy she was all right, and then she insisted upon talking about the accident. The lamp did not explode, she declared. The fire came from the other end of the room. The trainmen listened anxiously to this report. They were obliged to make a most careful investigation, and Tavia was very willing to help them. Professional-looking men crowded around, one who introduced himself to the doctor as a well-known lawyer of Rochester, called Dorothy aside and offered to look out for the interests of the injured girl. Whatever you think best, Dorothy said, I have never had any experience with law, but if you think we should take account of it at all, I should be most grateful for your help. Then Tavia was taken into a private compartment, and there, with Dorothy encouraging her, and the lawyer and doctor listening, she told the story of the accident. I had lighted the alcohol lamp, she declared, but I am positive that did not explode. The flash came from behind us, the other end of the room. Then the door would not open. Oh, how dreadful that was! For a moment Tavia covered her eyes, then she resumed. I heard Dorothy's voice, and that seemed to keep me from falling in the smoke. At last the door opened, and that's all I know. Now you just rest here, the doctor advised, while Mr French and I do some outside investigating. Then it was that the important clue was discovered, for at the very door of the little room, where the fire had raged, was found a piece of glass with a label, gasoline. She was right, declared the lawyer, taking possession of the telltale piece of bottle. The railroad men would have been so glad to have seen first. This tells the story, a bottle of gasoline exploded. Looking carefully over the damaged room, the lawyer made some entries in his notebook, and, with the doctor, approached Lily's mother. The woman positively refused to make known her name, and even the railroad men had not succeeded in learning who she was. That my baby is safe, she declared, is all I ask. People saw the girl coax her off, but even this I am entirely willing to overlook, and I will positively make no claims against the company. The doctor saw the child was not, in the least, injured, and also was convinced there was no dangerous shock to the little nervous system, as the tot looked upon the whole occurrence as good fun, so the professional men withdrew their offer to serve either the woman or her child. End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Dorothy Dale, a girl of today This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, all to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale, a girl of today by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 21 At Aunt Winnie's. Dorothy had fastened Tavia's hair up under her hat so that the one long and uninjured side covered the burnt ends and hid the damage. She looked like a pretty boy, Dorothy told her, and the red line about her neck was not noticeable at all. For around the scar Dorothy had pinned her own white silk handkerchief, except for a few telltale spots of scorch, marking the back of her new dress. From her appearance, Tavia might never have been suspected of being the heroine of a railroad accident. Oh, there is Aunt Winnie, exclaimed Dorothy as the train stopped, and she looked out of the window near the door. A depot wagon was drawn up to the platform, and in it sat a stylishly dressed woman. If Tavia had felt alarmed at the style as she afterwards told Dorothy, the moment Mrs White grasped her hand in welcoming her to Birchland, all nervousness left her. For Mrs White had an unmistakable way of greeting her guests. She really was glad to see them. Dorothy climbed up beside her aunt, while Tavia took the spare seat at front, and it seemed to her the world had suddenly fallen from its level. Everything was beneath her. She had risen physically, mentally and socially from her former self. The first ride on a box seat was an inspiration to the country girl, and Tavia felt its influence keenly. Dorothy chatted pleasantly to her aunt, occasionally referring to something to Tavia to give her a chance to join in the conversation, and Tavia noticed that Dorothy had already cheered up wonderfully. I suppose this is the sort of company Dorothy belongs in, Tavia thought. There is something so different about society people. Mrs White certainly was different. She knew exactly how to interest the girls, and she also knew how to make them feel at home. She had asked all sorts of polite questions about Dalton folks, and showed the keenest interest in the new appointment of Squire Travis. Tavia insisted that Dorothy had elected him, and this item of news, Mrs White, begged Tavia would repeat to the boys as she declared they would be just delighted to hear how their girl cousin managed Dalton politics. The boys were at camp. Mrs White told the girls, and an early visit to their quarters was among the treats promised. From the station to the cedars was but a short ride, and when the carriage turned into the cedar shaded driveway, Tavia felt another spasm of alarm. It was such an imposing looking place. This is where you may play games, said Mrs White, pointing out the broad campus behind the trees. The boys have no end to sport hiding in the cedars, and I am sure you girls will find them jolly. There are some very pleasant neighbours at the next cottage, one young girl among them. This is splendid, Tavia said. We can invent new games here. I think pre-tote would be a novelty. Presently the luggage was taken in by the man, while the girls followed Mrs White up the broad staircase to their rooms. Now my dears, said their hostess, as she opened the doors to two connecting rooms, here is where you will pitch your tents, as the boys would say. I hope you will be comfortable, but should you need anything, Dorothy knows the plan of this house. Just ask for anything you want. I'll leave you now. We will have lunch as soon as you feel refreshed. But Aunty called Dorothy, as Mrs White passed into the hall. Won't you come here a moment? I have a very interesting thing to tell you. And as Mrs White stepped back to the door again, Dorothy snatched the hat from Tavia's head. Instantly the instalment hair fell to the waist on one side, and clung to Tavia's neck at the other. Why? exclaimed the aunt. What on earth has happened to the child's locks? Hair tonic model laughed Dorothy. Sit down Aunty, and I will tell you. Mrs White took the uninjured mass of golden brown tresses into her hands. Someone stolen? Of course she ventured. One more guess smiled Dorothy. At this the scar on Tavia's neck was discovered. Not in a fire exclaimed the aunt. Exactly, declared Dorothy, and then she told of the railroad accident. Why, you poor dear, sighed Mrs White to Tavia. You must be quite ill from the shock. Get into bed immediately, and I will see how we can doctor you up. And before Tavia had a chance to protest against the treatment, she found herself in bed, shoes and dress off, and wrapped in a comfortable robe Dorothy had brought in her bag. Now, teased Dorothy, you want to know how it feels to be sick. How do you like it? Best ever, replied the girl in the pillows. Make it incurable please. Here announced their hostess, appearing at the doorway with a steaming bowl that smelled good. Just drink this bullion. I believe that more lives might be saved by the hot bullion process than by the reported episodes of hot whisky. One stays hot, the other turns into chills. Just drink this deer and I will vanish Dorothy. I know how she can talk when one should sleep. She roamed with me one summer, and at this Dorothy was whisked out of the room by her aunt, and Tavia left to commune with the pleasant aroma of hot bullion with chopped parsley flavouring. Riches are not to be despised, she commented, when the panel door closed away from friends for the moment. I wonder, Major Dale does not let Dorothy stay with her aunt. She would know exactly how to train her in society ways, and Dorothy is plainly cut out to be a leader wherever she goes. I suppose, reflected the girl. Some day Mrs White will introduce her into social world and then a step in the hall aroused her from her rather tangled reverie, and presently Dorothy stood before her with an immense bunch of jack roses. Oh, exclaimed Tavia, in unfaigned admiration, have you been to heaven stealing flowers? No, an angel tossed them down, replied Dorothy, and her card said they were for you. Where at, she held out to Tavia the angelic bouquet. Oh, Dorothy, darling Dale, I never saw such flowers. I've always thought the wild kinds prettier than those that grew so proud like, but there is just as much difference between a jack in the pulpit and a real jack rose as there is between you and me. Well, Jack, I like you just as well as you grew in a hot house. Better, because you have taught me the value of life's storms. You have grown outside and know the music of winds, and with the flowers she gave her friend all the hugs she dared risk in the presence of the railroad line on Tavia's neck. But you have the sweetness of the greenhouse, insisted Tavia, and that blows off with the music of the winds. Well, we will not quarrel over our virtues, said Dorothy. The thing to discuss at present is what are you going to do with the railroad money? What money, inquired Tavia, showing surprise? Your damages, of course. How much do you calculate your other brave was worth? Not worth talking about. But if you were offered a fair price for it, you would not refuse, persisted Dorothy? No, I'd take most anything from a cream soda to a twenty-five cent piece. Well, my dear, now compose yourself. Get a good hold on the chair near you, or better still, sit down. Since you insist on getting out of bed, I have a very lively piece of news for you, the sensational kind. Let her go, called Tavia, go asking the chair with both hands. It is this. Aunt Winnie says you will undoubtedly received damages for the accident. She says Mr. French is a noted lawyer, and he will possibly arrange it so that all you will have to do is to put your name to the signing off paper. The fact that you lighted the lamp, auntie says, will not do away with the fact that a careless employee left that explosive there. Do you know, Dorothy, said Tavia, in her most serious tone, the only thing that has consoled me for asking that baby in there is, that she told me she was going in for a drink of water, and had she done so, she would, or at least might, have tasted the poison stuff. She was the most meddlesome child and might have killed herself. Certainly her mother would have allowed her to roam about, as she pleased, said Dorothy. For people told me, after the accident, that little Lily had been in almost every seat in the car, while her mother cooled herself up on that sofa. It is a strange thing to me that most women travellers are more careful of their dogs than of their babies. Did you notice that blonde, with the soft leather bag? Well, she had a poodle in that bag. It is against the rules, you know, to keep animals in the passenger cars. But that lady had her bag open on the seat, and every time a breakman came through, she would pull the string and close the bag. Then once in a while, she would let the dog run around a bit. But indeed she did not let it get away like Lily's mother let her go. And do you really think the railroad people will pay me damages? I am almost sure of it. Aunt Winnie is a very clever businesswoman, and if they come while we are here, it will be all the better for you. Just think. Suppose they should offer five hundred dollars. I am too poor to be able to think for five hundred dollars all at once. I will have to try it on the instalment plan. But wouldn't it be jolly if I did get a good sum, and Tabby's eyes took on a faraway look? Perhaps all the way to Dalton and happiness. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Dorothy Dale, A Girl of Today This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale, A Girl of Today By Margaret Penrose Chapter 22 The Price of Tavia's Tresses A week had passed at North Birchland, with Dorothy and Tavia enjoying every succeeding hour better than the last, when the expected lawyers arrived to interview the victim of the railroad fire. Fortunately Mrs White was at home, and more fortunately still was the arrival of Mr French with the strange lawyer. Tavia was flushed and nervous when Dorothy helped her to dress for the interview. Now, don't you mind it a bit, said Dorothy. Just keep thinking that you might have been very seriously injured, and that the railroad people should be more careful for the sake of others. Then you will forget all about the lawyers and their statements. Mrs White was talking to the men in the reception room. Certainly the shock had been severe, she said, and only the fact that Miss Travers was unusually lively in temperament had saved her from more serious results. Dorothy entered the room with Tavia. These are the young ladies, said Mr French. Introducing them, this one was shut in the room with the fire. Tavia felt her face flush, and her nerves throb painfully. It was so embarrassing to be the object of such scrutiny. Then begun a fire of questions, Mr French in every instance indicating how Tavia should answer. The railroad lawyer, Mr Banks, trying of course to trip Tavia into admitting that the lamp exploded first, and the bottle blew up after. But Tavia was positive in declaring that the blaze came from the far corner of the room, whereas the stove was directly at her side. This was also indicated by a map which Mr French produced, and upon which Tavia marked the various spots where the bench stood, where the marble slab with the stove was situated, and where the bottle appeared to come from, a far corner of the slab. Will you let down your hair, please? said Mr French. And Dorothy promptly drew the pins from Tavia's tresses, allowing the unscorched braid to fall below her waist, while the burnt ends were charred almost to her neck. The red scar showing how close to her head the flames had really crept. That is a loss, of course, said Mr French, taking the long waves in his hand. But it shows the great danger her life was in. Also, Mr Banks noticed this scar that was dressed on the train by Dr Brown, a fair view. Both lawyers examined the scar. Tavia felt as if she would run from the room the very moment they took their hands off her, but Dorothy smiled encouragingly, and Mrs White rung for a maid to fetch a glass of water. This had the effect of distracting Tavia, who now stood there being cross-examined like an expert witness. Finally, Mr French said, That will do, thank you. Tavia had barely tasted the water, and as she crossed the room to reach her chair, she felt dizzy. The next moment she was in Mrs White's arms, unconscious. I saw she was pale, exclaimed the lady, while the gentlemen opened the windows and Dorothy ran for some restoratives. But I did not think she would go off like that. It did not take long, however, to revive the fainting girl, and when she had been helped to her room, the lawyers held a conference with Mrs White and then left the cedars. Wasn't that dreadfully stupid, sighed Tavia, as she lay stretched out on the soft white bed. Not at all, my dear, replied Mrs White, who at that moment appeared at the door. You could not have done better had you been coached, for it shows how the shock has unnerved you, and you may as well know that the company has offered to settle for $500. $500, echoed Tavia. Yes, my dear, for my part I should count a braid of hair such as you lost, worth twice that sum, but even at that price I could not obtain it. No one ever values a fine head of hair until it is gone, like the dry well, you know, but you are young enough to grow another braid, and that is the beauty of it. Mr French said your father gave him full power to act, and so he will accept the company's offer, and the fine thing about it is he does not want a commission, only his expenses, which are nominal. Isn't that perfectly splendid, exclaimed Dorothy, throwing her arms about Tavia. Some people are born lucky, and others have luck thrust upon them, said Tavia pleasantly. In this case it was usual. I did the mischief, and Dorothy did the rest. That lawyer would never have noticed me if Dorothy hadn't shown her pluck. Why? She had my flaming hair wrapped up in a breakman's coat before he had decided whether to throw it out of the window or over the ice cooler. He seemed to be worried about the ice, for it was directly in the path of the fire. Nonsense said Dorothy Blushing. He very politely pulled off his coat when I asked him to, and of course he did not know just what to do with it. Lucky thing it was a railroad coat, went on Tavia, or we might have had to pay damages. Lucky thing Dorothy had such presence of mind. At any rate, remarked Mrs White, for another touch of that flame in your face, Tavia, might have had a different bill against the railroad company. However, as it ends like a love story, we will live happily ever after. And she gave Tavia such an affectionate kiss, that the girl felt a strange nearness to her newfound friend, as if she had been suddenly adopted, socially at least, into Dorothy's family. And now, my dears, went on their hostess. I expect the boys out from camp this afternoon, so you must rest up and look your prettiest. Tavia sat up and looked about her. Did you ever hear the story about why a widower was like a baby? She asked Dorothy. Well, I feel just like him. They say he cried for the first six months, then sat up and looked around, and it was hard to pull him through the second summer. Now, I am looking around, but when I get my five hundred, I am afraid I will hardly last through the second summer. I know you will like the boys, remarked Dorothy. But who will cut my poor old hair, sung Tavia to the marriage and pipe tune? We will have to put it up in the folded fire escape fashion, said Dorothy, until we can drive out to a barbers. It is too late this afternoon. Whatever will mumsy say, thought Tavia aloud, that you would have made a very good-looking boy, replied Dorothy. I am sure I never saw a girl to whom short hair was so becoming. It must look well with the five hundred dollar note for a background. I tell you, Doro, money covers are multitude of crimes. I wonder if little Lily at the fire room has cooled off yet. But you haven't seen the new clothes Aunty had brought us. Yes, us, for she has not forgotten you. You are well able to pay bills now. You know, and Dorothy gave a mischievous little tug at Tavia's elbow. But wait, wait till you see what you are to wear this very evening. The box has just come up, and I will open it. Whereupon Dorothy pulled in from the hall door a great purple box labelled robes. Tavia was on her knees beside it before Dorothy had a chance to untie the strings. What girl does not like to see brand? New pretty dresses come out of their original box. Layers of tissue paper were first unwrapped, then a glow of brilliant red shone through the last covering. Wow! exclaimed Tavia. A rainbow gown, old bet. Then she gave her usual text, as Dorothy called her spontaneous rhymes. Breeds, they're a girl with souls so dead, who never to herself has said, I love to wear a dress bright red, I love red better than butter, and I love butter better than ice cream. So there, Dorothy Dale, that dress on top, I claim. The bright red was in full view now, and it was really a beautiful gown. Not extravagantly so, but as Dorothy said, exquisitely so. The material was of dimity over muslin, and tiny rows of velvet lace formed a yoke and edgings. A broad sash of flowered ribbon, all in shades of red, with bows of the same in narrow width, finished the shoulders. Yes, it is for you, said Dorothy. Aunty said red would suit you. I have always loved it, but folks said my hair was red. Indeed, it never was. And don't you know how great dressmakers insist upon sandy-haired girls wearing red? The real red in material contrasts with hair red, so is to make the brown-red brown up. There now is a new puzzle, when is brown red? When a sassy boy calls it red, prompting Ancetavia, remembering how she always feared the red-haired epithet. Isn't it sweet exclaimed Dorothy, holding the new gown up for inspection? Oh, a perfect love, declared Tavia. I thought my Rochester creation, doesn't that sound well? Simply glorious, but this is beautiful, like a sunset suggests to Dorothy. But I must get acquainted with mine. Another layer of paper and a pale blue robe was extracted. Oh, I know, prompt Tavia, clapping her hands like a delighted child. It's morning and evening. I'm sunrise and you are evening. Or I'm sunset and you are evening. Oh, exclaimed Dorothy, too enraptured to say more. And with your yellow head, you will look like an angel. Now, see here, Miss Sunset and Sunrise. I don't mind being cloudy or even starry, nor yet heavenly. But don't you dare go one latitude or longitude further. I am mortally afraid Aunt Winnie has elected to wear amethyst this very evening. And when the combination gets together, I expect something will happen. Something like Mount Pelle, you know. We might call it our elementary evening, went on Tavia and then looked out for storms. You said the boys were coming, coming and Dorothy sprung to the door. They are here now. Listen to that shout. That's Ned. Oh, I must run down. Come along and before Tavia had a chance to collect her manners, she was bowing after Dorothy's profuse introduction. I've heard of Miss Travers, said Edward pleasantly, while Nat was weighing Dorothy with one hand and attempting to shape the other in Tavia's direction. You must call her Tavia, insisted Dorothy, getting away from Ned. Or if you prefer, you may call her Octavia. She has a birthday within the Octave of Christmas. She'd have been called you for yuletide, said Nat. Not too late yet, is it, Tavia? Mrs White was smiling at the good times her children had already made for themselves. She now insisted upon calling Dorothy daughter and she was so kind to Tavia that she made no distinction but said, daughters in addressing both. Just see, boys, said their mother, unpinning Tavia's now famous half-head of hair. That is all there is left. Never exclaim Nat, handling the braid gingerly. How much did you settle for? That would be telling, said Mrs White. But what I want you boys to do is to drive the girls down to your barbers. You said it was a very nice place. Tip top, interrupted Ned. Bay rum or old rum or anything else from oyster cocktail to castile soap. But have you seen ladies go there? Asked the mother. Took a man myself, insisted the younger boy. Don't you remember the day Daisy Bliss got burs in her hair? Of course, I did not put them there. Oh no, drawled Ned. Well, she always was a double ducking. Went on the other. But I put up for the haircut all the same. Now, do listen, boys, and the mother spoke firmly. Tavia must have her hair trimmed. I tried to get a hairdresser to come out here but we could not have it done until after the railroad man appraised it. So now the hairdresser could not get here until after Sunday. That is why I am having recourse to a barber. Couldn't do better, mother, spoke up Ned, who had been trying to get a word in with Dorothy on the other side. Then run along girls, get your things. Don't dress up. It is country all the way and the dinner folks are not out yet. It will be pleasanter to fix up after the operation, said Mrs White. But I say, Mumsy, call Ned after her as she went upstairs. You wouldn't suggest a Riley, would you? Let's annual White. If you dare get the girl's haircut in any but, the most ladylike fashion, I'll disinherit you. Shadows of the poor house. Don't. I'll make the fellow trim it with a butternight. Come along, children. I'll show you the newest in chaperoneage at Mike's. Both girls appeared on the brander to which the depot cart had been drawn up. Dorothy looked like a pond lily. Tavia had told her in her light green dress with her yellow hair falling over it. Tavia too was attractive. She had on a brown dress with gold in it that reflected the glint of her hair and as Ned handed Knack the rones he whispered, a stunner and a hummer. It's real jolly to have a girl around, net remarked to Tavia, who had the front seat beside him and mother is so fond of girls. I have always worn my hair long to please her. Quite a protection in summer, isn't it? Asked Tavia, noticing how the sun boom stopped where the hair begun and that otherwise the young man was much tanned. Yes, some, but a fellow can't expect to be a peach blow at Camp Hardtack. It must be a great sport to camp, ventured Tavia. The greatest ever. I would like to go out on a ranch but mother says, no, little boy, you must stay home, so home I stay. Dorothy and Ned were evidently enjoying themselves as well as those at front. For it seemed to Tavia that Dorothy's laugh had not wrung out so jolly in many weeks. So much had happened lately to dampen mirthful spirits. Just fancy, said Tavia, turning back to Ned. I was sent along to keep Dorothy lively. She was actually threatened with nervous prostration and think how lively I did keep her. Came nearing, firing a train. Oh, anything for a change, politely answered Ned. One cannot tell just what sort of tonic is best. I am sure she looks first rate. Fully added Ned, but don't worry that you've laid aside nursing, you. I have not been well myself. Ahem, just finish off on me. There comes a barber shop called Ned as a striped pole appeared in view. Now for the artistic clip-the-clip. Mike is a genius, blushing unseen here but I mean to set him up some day. I was getting him out to camp, but he shied when we told him there were no cops. Mike loves cops when the fellows get busy with his tonsureal apparatus. Don't faint this time, Dorothy cautioned Tavia with a merry smile, thinking that those two boys would likely dip her in the brook at the side of the shop should she attempt anything like that. Indeed I know where and when to faint, responded Tavia. Mr. French has a way about him. But you never tried me, said Knap, making a funny move as if to catch an armful of thin air. I am an authority on faints. Every girl at school says I'm a perfect deer. For catching falls at commencement time they all peel over then. They were in front of the barber shop now. Mike opened the door with such a bow Tavia could scarcely repress a smile. Ned made the arrangements and Tavia mounted the high chair allowed Mike, the Italian, to tuck the apron around her neck. Then all she could see was a very queer looking girl in the glass in front of her. Just trim it evenly, said Dorothy, walking up to the chair and feeling it was hardly safe to trust the boys with the order. Carefully the barber let down the heavy coil. What, he exclaimed, seeing it was only half a head, fire, you've been in explosion, sure, answered Ned mechanically. Then Mike went through a series of groans, grunts and jabs at the air. So shame, he wailed. The hair is so fine, like gold, brown gold. With many a sigh and groan, the barber applied his shears, stopping constantly to give vent to his feelings with a shrug of his broad shoulders and deep guttural mutterings. Oh, quit gargling your throat, Mike, and get through with the job. The young lady is alive, you see, and expects to get back to the cedars in time for breakfast, said Ned. I am sure that will do, said Dorothy at last. Where at, Tabia gladly got out at the stuffy chair. Great, both boys exclaimed in admiration as they saw how smart Tabia looked. It is becoming, said Dorothy. Handy, commented Tabia. Presently the party was driving off again. Tabia indulging in the laughs she did not take part in with the cedars at her ear, while Dorothy scolded the boys for making such sport of a poor foreigner. Poor indeed, Ned echoed. I wish we had some of his cash on hand. I mean the ready stuff. I have yet to make the acquaintance of a poor barber, especially the imported kind. It was a jolly ride home and the evening that followed was one full of pleasure. End of Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Dorothy Dale, a girl of today. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale, a girl of today by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 23 In Social Elements Dorothy wore her heavenly blue dress while Tabia blazed out in her sunset costume. As Dorothy had predicted, Mrs White was radiant in her beautiful amethyst chiffon so that the elementary evening panned out exactly as scheduled. Mrs White was a handsome woman. As Ruth Dale, younger sister of Major Dale, she had been a belle and now as Mrs Winthrop White she was acknowledged a social leader and a favourite. Her hair had the same brightness that made Dorothy so attractive except that years had tarnished that of Mrs White while her niece had seen only sunshine in life to polish the golden warp that beauty loves to spin. There were many features in both that marked relationship and it was always declared that Dorothy was a Dale both in character and features. The broad veranda at the cedars was lighted with a flood of summer moonbeams and there was seated on the lounging chairs a gay party of young persons and a few grown-ups. Tabia and Dorothy, Ned and Nat, besides Rosa Belle Glenn, the young girl who lived in pretty cottage next to cedars, were there and with Mrs White were Mrs Theodore Glenn and a visitor from Toledo and Miss Batten. In meeting Rosa Belle Glenn the girls from Dalton were both conscious of making the acquaintance of a society girl one who though still in her teens knew exactly what to say to be polite and precisely what to do to show off to the very best possible advantage. She had called at the cedars in the afternoon and remained just 15 minutes which time Mrs White informed the girls after her departure was the social limit for a first call. But we were talking as something that could not possibly be finished in that time Dorothy had complained. All the better chance to show off her manners said Mrs White with a laugh for she had never agreed that young girls should enter society on stilts. But the evening was different informal and almost jolly. The almost belonged to Miss Rosa Belle while the jolly was looked after by Ned and Nat Dorothy and Tabia feeling like an appreciative audience. All sorts of topics were introduced by the unhappy boys who never had a good time when the glens were present but all resulted in the same failure to make a general conversation of firmer consistency than monosyllables. But you must come out to camp said Nat in desperation. We had the jolliest quarters on a high knoll just off the lake front and not too far from the hotel. A hotel is not bad to have around when a good blow takes the roof off your head at midnight. Oh my exclaimed Rosa Belle you do not mean to say that your tents blow away in the night. Not a bit particular as to the time night or day went on the young man so long as they get away. Last time Ned clung to the ropes and the camp has missed something for it was awfully dark and you really were carried up by force of the wind gasped the polite girl and let down by it admitted Ned. I have a souvenir yet rubbing his left arm and girls camp gasped the one from the other cottage heaps of them they're the best neighbors we've got there's Camp Deb all debutants do you know and I tell you their social guardians know how to fix them up for the season they make a fellow think of the way fouls are treated before holiday time oh almost freaked Rosa Belle please don't but you ought to look into the treatment I tell you those girls are beauts they get fun exercise fresh air what a time they ever expect to have in this world poor dears they must all be engaged next season you know Dorothy and Tavia were enjoying this Rosa Belle had seemed to forget their presence she at once became so absorbed in the society talk I would like to visit camp she ventured come along then said naturally our girls are coming out tomorrow Tavia gave a significant sigh who could have any fun with that door bell floral piece tagging on she thought Mrs Glen was appealed to and it was finally arranged that she, Mrs White and the younger set should go on the following afternoon to visit Camp Hardtack when the nine o'clock bell rang the visitors promptly rose to go nor were they detained by any overwhelming entreaties to prolong their stay of all the sticks began Ned when they were at safe distance hush, Neddy Rosa Belle has been properly brought up interrupted Mrs White with more smiles than frowns properly saved them up and if I had been a girl to me, I did hope that Dorothy might be made comfortable here for some time but if that is contagious I'll take her home myself a case like that must be fatal and Ned shook his head seriously and her cheeks asked Ned, what do you call that the very best replied Tavia I know that kind is $2 an ounce I saw it in Rochester then we'll fix her out at camp decided now we will put up some kind of a game that calls for a face wash and a forefoot if Rosie objects I'll get the boys to wash it for her that would be rude insisted Dorothy not for campers insisted the unquenchable nat it might be for ministers but not for campers not late enough to leave the porch so the talk drifted to adult and matters now Dot began Ned I'd like to hear more of the chase of business I'm sure we have all heard the wrong story of it and even at that I must admit it is not so slow rather interesting give us the right version let Tavia tell it Dorothy begged off and the fellow turned out to be asked Ned he hasn't turned out yet replied Tavia the last we heard of him he tried to throw Dorothy over the falls scamp interrupted Ned pity there's no fellows in Dalton big enough to lick a fellow like that oh there are plenty of them declared Dorothy at once up in arms for the Dalton boys such a coward he never appears except when he is sure we are alone the entire boys school hunted for him that day in the woods added Tavia but he got away what on earth is he after went on Ned the burlocked money promptly replied Dorothy at first we did not know that but there is no doubt about now when he grabbed me to my ear did Miles Burlock leave his money with your father oh exclaimed Dorothy I can't bear to think of it yet excuse me Cuzz spoke up Ned perhaps I should not have made you think of it indeed I scarcely ever get it out of my mind it just haunts me that's why she left school Tavia reminded them and I left to keep her company she finished with a merry laugh at the idea and its evident consequences a blessing all around said Nat what would we have done if neither of you left and we got left for this good time I hope Mum will kidnap Dorothy indeed you cannot have her declared Tavia I should pine away and die at Dalton without her and stay at Birchland suggested Ned plenty of room but what does the fellow want with Burlock money asked Nat getting back to the interesting affair that still remains so much of a mystery it's a long story began Dorothy and it has not all been told yet Burlock was in some way in Anderson's power I was with father and the poor Mr. Burlock told us about it he declared it was all the result of too much liberty in youth and bad company be warned Nat my boy interrupted Ned jokingly I must have the matter cut you down and he rambled till the matter cut him down hum the brother paraphrasing the butcher's song spare the allowance and cut anything else down you like answered Nat but please do not interrupt again then it seems went on Dorothy Mr. Burlock had a lot of money left him from that time on this Anderson followed Mr. Burlock and even succeeded in separating him from his family but how did Burlock hold on to the cash all that time asked Ned oh that was kept for him he only had the interest of it but lately a Mrs. Douglas of Dalton died she had charge of the money because Mr. Burlock was not considered capable of taking care of it himself and now said Ned the major has it and Anderson is trying to get it away by means of information he hopes to get from the major's daughter easy as A B seen but to whom is the money left to an unknown or unfound daughter said Dorothy her name is Nally or Helen Burlock and it was in hopes of locating her upon a false clue which Anderson sent that poor Mr. Burlock met his death but Dorothy had him all fixed for heaven said Tabia when her man died hoping to be forgiven it was Miles Burlock those who were with him said so and it was all Dorothy's doings I must admit I did joke her about it Tabia said earnestly but she had done so many things girls never do and she was not strong enough to keep it up so we all had to try to discourage it we all have to come to Dolphin to hear her praises sung she is a regular home missionary the kind they tell about in meetings but who are too busy to come and talk about themselves I am sure Dorothy is an angel said Nat putting his arm affectionately around his cousin I only hope she will save some of her goodness for me I do need a mission indeed answer Dorothy joking aside you boys are very good and so attentive to your mother she told me so herself oh gasp Nat when did she say that is it too late to make a strike now I am horribly short short dinner this week you know and there's Nellie Resume Ned determined to get at the bottom of the Burlock story now she's to have money what do you say Nat if we get on the case Nellie might make it all right you know great scheme boy said Nat you do the finding and I will act as your attorney isn't there any clue asked Ned yes father is working on one and I am so anxious to hear the result said Dorothy of course and will not write about it I expect there will be lots of news when we get back to Dolphin Tavia had been silent for some time the boys had failed to wake up her jokes as they expressed it look here said Ned tipping her chair back in a perilous way you can't claim to be sleepy for your eyes are just like stars nor need you pretend to be weeping inwardly for the coil of Taffy we all forget to bring back from Mike's if anything happens to that here I'll have his license revoked so Nell own up what are you moping about Dorothy was at Tavia's side instantly you are tired dear she's seen perhaps you are weak from shock let's go in indeed I'm all right but a hot tear fell on Dorothy's hand and told a different story homesick whispered Ned as he kissed Dorothy good night she'll be all right tomorrow end of chapter 23 chapter 24 Dorothy Dale a girl of today this is a Libravox recording all Libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information auto volunteer please visit Libravox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale a girl of today by Margaret Penrose chapter 24 the painted face human life seems so like that depicted in the elements about us a patch of blue here a streak of blackness stealing up there to cover it a glitter gold there and a flurry of smoke almost upon it so with life brightness is so closely followed by shadows the gloom and glow become inseparable perhaps the contrast save us from the blinding glare of extremes it may be well to have even our joys tempered with moderation it had been such a happy day Tavia felt she had never before known how to enjoy life there had been many times of course in Dalton and Dorothy had often surprised her with entirely unexpected little treats but somehow this was different there was so much to be enjoyed at once ah Tavia that is why reaction comes so suddenly you left nature behind you in Dalton human wildflowers have a hard time of it when first thrust upon the pavements of social concrete Dorothy was with Tavia in the pretty bedroom the moonlight made its way in at the curtain window and the two girls were clinging to each other there on the cushion seat trying to think it out Dorothy said I had such a lovely time sob Tavia and everyone had been so good to me but I could not help it when that Roosevelt came I saw the difference I saw I never could be your friend when we grew up and then I got to thinking about home Dorothy I must go I must talk about that money with dear mother and father he did seem to need me so much and I have been so selfish to leave them all now Tavia you make me feel badly it is I who am selfish to take you away but I am sure your mother particularly wanted you to come and your father was so pleased I tell you dear it is all that money you just feel you cannot wait to talk all about it and I don't blame you at all you shall go home just as soon as you want to but you must stay said Tavia brightening up at the thought of going home I came to be company for you but you do not need me was there just a sign of jealousy in her words Dorothy instantly detected a change Tavia drew herself up so like other girls unlike Tavia not need you why Tavia who in all this world could take your place and her arms were around around the neck of the weeping girl while the fondest sister kiss was pressed to the tear-stained cheek my what a goose I am suddenly exclaimed Tavia springing up I never was homesick or had the real blues and I do not propose to do the baby act now so there and she gave a hearty hoe to Dorothy I'm done with blubbering and I'm more ashamed of myself than I was the day I ran away after the rail with Sarah now I'll beat you to bed and to sleep too for that matter we will have to do some tall snoring to catch up with the rosy well her cheeks will make ours look like putty it was late and Dorothy was glad to feel that Tavia had conquered her homesickness for that is what Dorothy insisted the attack was it was however the first but the pain it left in Tavia's heart did not heal at once nor did it leave the spot unscared Mrs. White had prudently left the girls to themselves but now by some strange intuition she felt the storm was over and sent a maid to ask Dorothy if some crackers or an ice would not taste good in replying the girls discovered they were not the only ones up late and presently the entire party had assembled in the beautiful chintz dining room and the ices were being served between good natured jollying that haircut went to your head Ned told Tavia but wait until I go down for the tresses I'll scare Mike stiff making believe we thought he had cribbed them Tavia was entirely herself now and had word for word with the jolly boys Mrs. White studied her closely but of course unobserved there was a fine girl no doubt of it and a pleasant companion for Dorothy her humour was as pure as the bubbles in the brook and just as unfailing and what a pretty girl she was those hazel eyes and that bronze head no wonder even the foreign barber had noticed that it was scarce a vertible bog flower concluded the hostess just as others had said major Dale for instance Dorothy was of an entirely different type her beauty was the sort that grows more and more attractive as character develops not depending upon mere facial outline now children off to bed with you said Mrs. White touching the bell to tell the maid that lunch was over and tomorrow you know we go to camp you will not have a head ache Tavia I have never had one in my life answered Tavia in that polite tone she always used in speaking to the hostess perhaps my head does not know enough to wake blissful ignorance then replied Mrs. White see to it that you never become as wise as to learn how a head that does not ache is a joy forever hasty good nights were exchanged and this time there was no waking nightmare for Tavia she wanted to sleep young hearts may ache once in a while but they have a comfortable habit of deferring to tired nature at least once in 24 hours so the cedars ruffle to their hearts content and the pines whispered dearestly at their attempt to make themselves heard in the world of music makers poor little stunted cedars so small beside the giant pines so useless in a tree's great province to give shade but that file of trees scarcely taller than a hedge had for years and years made the division between one land and another so they stood for that at least as Nat had explained to Tavia they knew where to draw the line the morning that followed was one of those beautiful streaks of nature's capriciousness when she allows spring to turn back and give orders to summer it was late in June yet the air was soft and barmy and the sunshine behaved so nicely that Tavia looking out of her window actually found dew on the honeysuckle and saw there was no need to close blinds at even 10 o'clock which was late for dew certainly and late for a girl like Tavia Travers to get her first romp out of doors Dorothy looked in mischievously we didn't call you she said smiling because you were so anxious about your cheeks you know let me see I do declare Tavia Travers is that a blush or did you dream you were Roosevelt now don't try to tell me that's perfectly natural it isn't it's simply divine and she gave her friend when we get to talking such nonsense said Tavia with as much severity as she could summon on short notice I think we should do something for her get busy at something you know it is plainly the result of downright idleness Dr Grey's prescription you know but now for camp the boys have gone on ahead and Aunt Winnie is going to stop at the hotel for lunch she said she thought we would enjoy it oh I will I am sure answered Tavia promptly that's what worries me I'm getting to enjoy everything what in the world will I do when I get back to Dalton right let us to that I suppose now don't get any deeper shade of red dear the one that you woke up with is so becoming how much time have we asked Tavia bestowing more care on the brushing of her short hair now than she had ever thought of giving the mess that the barber still had in his keeping perhaps an hour but we want to get out on the lawn for a game of ball before we start I am just dying to play real ball I do miss Joe and Roger so I am sure they miss you miss you too Doro I have been wondering how you have managed to keep away from them well I have to you know besides I get a letter every day Joe said yesterday that your folks had taken the Bourbon house Father said in his letter he expected to but do you know Doro I would never advise a poor girl to go out of her own territory I think I shall be unhappy now at home nonsense you will enjoy the simple life more thoroughly than ever that is only a scruple you are afraid you shouldn't enjoy anything but Dalton you know perfectly well you would rather dig jacks in the pulpit out by our back wall than snatch those honeysuckles at your window perhaps said Tavia vaguely but I guess you are right Doro you always are I am just afraid to think of anything but what we've got not even the 500 oh that is what upsets me I shall expect it to make us millionaires and so it will in happiness I can't blame you one bit for wanting to get home to talk it over oh that was yesterday today I want to go to camp Dorothy looked at her uneasily she remembered it was told her once that sudden changes were always unwholesome to young people it must be that she told herself Tavia has had too many sudden changes lately and she always was so sentimental I believe after all it is best for girls to keep busy at practical things Tavia has never been trained now said Tavia who had been fixing before the pretty dressing table I'm ready but I have a plan to help Nat out with Roosevelt's complexion test oh he was only joking exclaimed Dorothy he wouldn't be so rude it's no harm I'm sure I've done it lots of times come out and I'll show you out on the lawn Tavia ran about like the girl she used to be she was looking for something down behind the hedge of cedars then out on the open fields patches of clover and daisies were tangled they grew outside the cedars beyond the line here it is a lovely bunch then running back she brought to Dorothy a long stem of mullan leaves what are they for asked Dorothy for she knew the common plant well enough to paint our cheeks with and it doesn't come off won't Roosevelt be surprised but I wouldn't think of putting those sticky leaves to my face object to Dorothy why are you not poison said Tavia beginning to unfold the velvet leaves that look so soft and are really so very scratchy don't beg Dorothy it is just as bad as paint and paint is positively vulgar I'm sure you were mistaken about Roosevelt no respectable girl would be so foolish but Tavia was rubbing the leaves to her pink cheeks with absolute disregard of everything but rubbing that seemed to be the one thing necessary in the operation presently a deep red stain to her cheeks she felt the sting but wanted to make sure it was all rubbed on does it burn asked Dorothy in surprise that Tavia should really carry out her threat to make her cheeks redder than Roosevelt's a little admitted Tavia don't you want to try it not for the world answered Dorothy since you say it will not wash off how are you going to explain it sunburn promptly answered the other with a subtlety surprising to Dorothy you really must not help the boys play any joke on Miss Glen said Dorothy you know they are Aunt Winnie's neighbors and we are her guests oh all right if you feel that way about it said Tavia a little stiffly perhaps Dorothy I had better have a headache and not go out to camp I don't mean to be pouty she hurried on but really Dorothy I have never been able to withstand that sort of temptation and I might embarrass you I wouldn't do it for anything Dorothy Dorothy Dale was perplexed first Tavia had said sunburn instead of mull on leaves and now she was willing to substitute headache for rudeness wasn't she learning a trifle too fast Aunt Winnie never advocated that sort of thing the rich may be just as honest as the poor and more so the opportunities of discerning the great difference between a gentle and a polite way of saving persons feelings and the rude unpardonable way of seeking refuge behind little quibbles at the expense of truth we were only joking of course said Dorothy finally jumping up from her seat on the old tree stump but it is different where someone else is concerned everybody is not willing to take a joke you know I've noticed that lately replied Tavia pressing both hands to her cheeks to stop if possible the burning of the mull on leaves but you know I once promised to show you how I look painted now I've kept my promise the flaming red of her cheeks seemed to make her eyes blaze as well and it could not be denied she looked wonderfully pretty or would look so at longer range through opera glasses perhaps but in a calm daylight there was something strange about her face the short bronze hair the dancing hazel eyes Tavia exclaimed Dorothy dismaying her voice I am so sorry you look like an actress End of chapter 24