their credit!"




CHAPTER IV

A SECRET SOCIETY

Carol and Lark, in keeping with their twin-ship, were the dearest of
chums and comrades. They resembled each other closely in build, being
of the same height and size. They were slender, yet gave a suggestion
of sturdiness. Carol's face was a delicately tinted oval, brightened
by clear and sparkling eyes of blue. She was really beautiful, bright,
attractive and vivacious. She made friends readily, and was always
considered the "most popular girl in our crowd"--whatever Carol's crowd
at the time might be. But she was not extremely clever, caring little
for study, and with no especial talent in any direction. Lark was as
nearly contrasting as any sister could be. Her face was pale, her eyes
were dark brown and full of shadows, and she was a brilliant and
earnest student. For each other the twins felt a passionate devotion
that was very beautiful, but ludicrous as well.

To them, the great rambling barn back of the parsonage was a most
delightful place. It had a big cow-shed on one side, and horse stalls
on the other, with a "heavenly" haymow over all, and with "chutes" for
the descent of hay,--and twins! In one corner was a high dark crib for
corn, with an open window looking down into the horse stalls adjoining.
When the crib was newly filled, the twins could clamber painfully up on
the corn, struggle backward through the narrow window, and holding to