rushed up-stairs and slammed a door. A few seconds later the door
opened again, and her cherished badge was flung down upon Skull and
Crossbones.

"There's your old black string smeared up with red ink!" she yelled at
them wildly. And again the door slammed.

Carol picked up the insulted badge, and studied it thoughtfully. Lark
spoke first.

"It occurs to me, Fair Gwendolyn, that we would do well to keep this
little scene from the ears of the just and righteous Prudence."

"Right, as always, Brave Knight," was the womanly retort. And the
twins betook themselves to the haymow in thoughtful mood.

A little later, when Prudence and Fairy came laughing into the
down-stairs hall, a white-faced Constance met them. "Look," she said,
holding out a pear, divided into three parts, just like Gaul. "Mr.
Arnold gave me this pear, and here's a piece for each of you."

The girls thanked her warmly, but Prudence paused with her third almost
touching her lips. "How about the twins?" she inquired. "Aren't they
at home? Won't they break your pledge if you leave them out?"

Constance looked up sternly. "I offered them some half an hour ago,
and they refused it," she said. "And they have already put me out of
the society!" There was tragedy in the childish face, and Prudence put
her arms around this baby-sister.