Two long, dreary days had passed. Dorothy was well again, but, acting
upon the advice of Miss Ellis, she remained away from school, to grow
strong and take a little rest in the fresh air; to be out of doors as
much as possible, the teacher said.

Alice had been to see Dorothy, and had assured her that "every thing was
all right," even the misconduct of Alice in "talking back" had been
forgiven, the girl herself declared.

But there was no explanation offered as to the accident to Sarah Ford.
That was still a mystery to the school girls. Neither had Tavia returned
to Dalton. She was visiting her aunt in Rochester Mrs. Travers
announced.

Major Dale was at his office again, and the boys were not yet home from
school, although the dismissal hour had passed.

There was a rush through the vines at the side of the porch--the next
moment Tavia had Dorothy in her arms.

"You poor dear!" she exclaimed between her kisses. "To think that you
have been sick all alone--without me!"

Dorothy leaned back in her chair--happy.

Tavia was not so much larger or older than she, but just at that moment
she came like one all powerful; Tavia had such a way of being and doing.