"No, they would not, Mother," Margaret answered in a low and rather sad tone. "It hardly seems fair, does it? I know that many of them would never speak to me again. I do not consider my affairs any business of theirs, and I promise you not to volunteer any information. On the other hand, Mother, I cannot meet you secretly any more. If you are really afraid that someone will recognize you here, you can stay in the town as quietly as you wish. I know that you are ambitious for me, Mother, and I will do the very best I can for us both. I want to succeed, too. If I am absolutely cornered, I shall tell no lies, though. I have not done it so far, and I shall not hereafter. I suppose the truth may naturally be known some day, but I am not going to be ashamed of either of my parents, and you would be ashamed of me if I were, Mother." "Yes, I suppose I would, Margaret, but if you can only get your education, now that Mr. Worthington made it possible, I shall be willing to stand in the background for four years. You were slighted all through the public schools as soon as anyone knew that you were just the daughter of Mr. Worthington's housekeeper, and it would be worse here." "Well, never mind, Mother, if--" And there, to the girls' relief Mrs. Hamilton and her daughter passed out of hearing. "_She_ is true blue, no matter whether her blood is blue or not," said Dolly softly. "Confess now, Beth dear, that you are glad she is our president." "She makes a good one," Beth acknowledged, and then they separated, each going to her own room. A moment later, however, there was a quick tap at Dolly's door, and Beth's excited face appeared. "What do you think has happened, Dolly?" CHAPTER VIII "What is it, and has it anything to do with Mary? She isn't here, and I haven't the faintest idea where she is." "It has nothing to do with Mary, but I hope Mary may be able to explain to us. Professor Arnold is in our room, and Margery is packing up everything she owns. They are going to take the five o'clock train tomorrow morning for New York. You know Professor Arnold lives there, too. She called me into my room, and spoke to me privately. She asked if I would object to rooming with you tonight, as she would like to sleep in my room herself." "Just as if Margery were a prisoner and she the jailer," said Dolly, in an awe-struck tone. "That is just about the size of it, my dear. Of course, I said I was sure you would take me in. Evidently Margery tried to slip off tonight, thinking that amid all the excitement she would not be missed. I wonder what she did!" "And they go on the five o'clock train? No Latin for us then. Professor Arnold did not intend to go, I know, until Friday. We were to have all of our regular lessons tomorrow morning." "We had better get to bed, or someone will be after us, even if today is an exceptional time." "That's true, but where _is_ Mary?" "Here," answered Mary's own voice, as the sitting-room door opened.