Tavia said. "How do you feel to-day Doro? I have been thinking you look-
-sort of 'peaked' as Aunt Libby would say. Have you been worrying about
the explanation business? Because if you feel sensitive about it, just
leave it to me. I am not the least bit bashful, you know."

"I feel well enough," Dorothy assured her, "and I haven't been worrying-
-about that any way," and Dorothy smiled to convince her friend that
nothing serious was disturbing her peace of mind.

"Well, we assemble at nine you know; check our dinner pails. Thanks Joe,
that will do nicely, and if I have any left I will leave it in the box
when I return it. After a bluff at study, and an exchange of
compliments, for my dress particularly (no one else will have anything
like this) we will expect to hear something from you, Doro. Really, this
business of making speeches in school is quite an accomplishment. Had I
known that Alice was going to 'spout' the way she did that day I left
for my vacation--ahem! you noticed Joe, how I said that? Well, I should
have postponed the trip had I any idea there would be such stunts going
on in lady-like society. But Doro, how is Sarah? Did you see her
yesterday?"

"Yes, I saw her just for a moment," and Dorothy looked the other way to
hide the serious thoughts that the meeting with Sarah recalled.

"And she has forgiven me for that push into the clouds? Now she is not
so bad after all. I feel as if I should bring her some flowers or
something; as a peace offering, you know."

"Well, I would not go over just to-day," said Dorothy, "for the doctor
is to take the splints off her ankle--"