Then the sobbing of Dorothy--Alice could not stand it to see her crying
that way; better brave dismissal than sit by and listen to that.

With one glance towards Alice--a glance full of gratitude and love.
Dorothy arose and asked to be excused.

"I must go home--" she stammered "I have such a sick headache."

"Very well," replied the teacher. "You may go."

"May I also be excused?" asked Alice, not boldly but with politeness
restored to her voice.

"By no means," declared Miss Ellis. "I will not brook such insolence."

"I thought I might help Dorothy home," Alice explained, taking her seat
again.

Meanwhile Dorothy was looking for her hat in the cloak room. It was a
small stuffy place, and the day was unusually sultry, so that Dorothy
felt dizzy there, trying to find her hat--and trying to find--Oh! what
was the matter? She could not see! Oh, if some one would only come!

Then, with her hands before her, she stumbled and fell,--and all became
a terrible blank.