"I'm not at all sure that it won't trouble us," Nan interposed
gravely. "But of course we are not in danger of starvation."

She felt some delicacy about entirely confiding in Bess on the
subject. Nan had heard the pros and cons of the expected closing
of the mills discussed at home almost every day for weeks past;
but family secrets should never be mentioned outside the family
circle, as Nan very well knew.

"Well," signed Bess, whose whole universe revolved around a
central sun called Self, as is the case with many girls brought
up by indulgent parents. "I hope, dear, that this trouble won't
keep you from entering Lakeview with me next fall."

Nan laughed. "There never was a chance of my going with you,
Bess, and I've told you so often enough-----"

"Now, don't you say that, Nan Sherwood!" cried her chum. "I've
just made up my mind that you shall go, and that's all there is
to it! You've just got to go!"

"You mean to kidnap me and bear me off to that ogre's castle,
whether or not?"

"It's the very nicest school that ever was," cried Bess. "And
such a romantic place."

"Romantic?" repeated Nan curiously.

"Yes, indeed! A great big stone castle overlooking Lake