finally said, after suggestions had been discussed ranging from
presenting Rhoda with a gold medal to falling down on their knees
and begging her forgiveness.

"We have nothing really to ask her pardon for. It actually was her
own stupidity that made her begin so unfortunately among us. She,
perhaps, can't see that. Or, if she does, she is too obstinate to
admit it."

"Why, Nan!" cried warm-hearted Bess Harley, who, once moved in the
right direction, could not do too much for the object of her
approval. "Why, Nan! you speak as though you did not like Rhoda,
after all. You are the only one who stood up for her all those
weeks."

"When did I stand up for her?" demanded Nan. "I would not treat her
unkindly. But I have thought all the time she was in the wrong. And
there is no use going to Rhoda and telling her we were wrong and
that we are sorry. That would not only be a falsehood, but it would
do no lasting good."

"Hear! Hear!" cried Amelia. "Minerva Sherwood speaks."

"I guess Nan has got the 'wise' of it," agreed Laura. "No matter
how well we may think of Rhoda, she would be equally offended if we
all suddenly changed toward her in a way to make her conspicuous.
We must begin treating her naturally."

"That's all right," agreed Amelia. "But we cannot overlook the
incident of that car ride."