“To begin with,” said Zona, “you know it’s true that your father and Hal’s, who have always been true friends, agreed long ago to make a match between you, if possible.” “I know that,” murmured Doris. “And that’s the very thing I have resented most. As if we had no minds of our own. In France they make such matches, I believe, but not in this country. Any girl with the least spirit would resent it. It’s the very thing to make a girl detest a fellow.” “But you don’t detest Hal?” “Well, I thought I did. But for this foolish agreement between our parents I might have liked him very well.” “Of course you would; you couldn’t help it. He’s a splendid fellow, and he’s done everything for you. All the girls like him, but as soon as you gave him the shake, he would have nothing to do with any of them.” “I wish he would,” passionately exclaimed Doris. “I’d like him better myself if he would!” “No doubt of that,” smiled Zona, showing her fine teeth. “At the same time down in your heart you know you like him very well as it is. You have given him the cold shoulder simply because you were provoked over that agreement, and because Dick Merriwell happened to be convenient as a friend. Hal has been too earnest in his attentions, Doris.” “Not of late. He despises me now.” “Don’t think that! He is paying you back in your own coin, that’s all.” “But this has nothing to do with the gossip Chester Arlington spoke of. How does this prove Dick said he was sorry he had ever become so friendly? I know he is not the boy to boast that he cut Hal out.” “If there was no such gossip, Doris, how did Chester know about it? You say you want me to tell you the truth? Well, I will, even though you get angry with me. I have heard such talk myself.” “You?” breathed Doris, as she started away and stared at her companion, her hands clinched. “You, Zona?” “Yes,” nodded Zona grimly. “Why, it is the most natural thing in the world. Dick has his friends and confidants, and he is liable to trust them with his secrets and tell them his thoughts. You know girls have to talk; they can’t help it. They have their little secrets, and it often happens these secrets are betrayed by the ones they trust. Brad Buckhart is Dick’s closest friend. Why shouldn’t he talk things over with Brad? It’s perfectly natural. Brad might tell some one else, and in that way it could leak out. If there was no foundation of the truth in it you may think it never happened.” “But I can’t—I can’t believe it!” murmured the distressed girl. “I shall go to him and ask him about it myself.” Zona shook her head. “You will do nothing of the sort,” she asserted. “Why not?” “You have too much pride.” “Pride?” “Yes. You know you can’t face Dick and ask him about it. What would he think of you? He would fancy you were running after him, and I am sure you don’t want him to believe that.” “No, no!” panted Doris.