And Dolly did get through, for she worked faithfully during the holidays. Rob Steele was about the best person she could have had to help her, and, as Fred surmised, he agreed to go willingly enough, when he found that there was work for him to do. When vacation was over, and Mr. Alden tried to pay him, however, he bluntly refused to take a cent. He was so positive in his refusal, and so hurt that the offer was even made, that the subject was dropped. Margaret and Mary had gone home with Constance. Several of the other girls had joined the party later and Margery Ainsworth had been with them for a couple of days. Beth and Dolly had been invited, but Dolly could not spare the time from her studies, and Beth would not go without her. Besides, as she told Mrs. Newby: "I like home better than any other place, so what is the use of running off the moment I get here?" "We like to have you with us, dearie, but we must not be selfish. If you are really happy here at home, we shall be glad to keep you. Nell and the boys have been looking forward to vacation time very eagerly. You know, though, that you would have a gay round of pleasure if you should go to Constance." "But I am not going, Mother, and that is positively settled. You need not say another word unless you want to get rid of me." "That is so likely!" So Beth and Dolly spent their holidays this time in their own homes, and while they would have enjoyed the good times which Constance gave her friends, they doubtless went back to their studies all the fresher for the quiet rest they had had. Dick Martin had run down to see Fred on New Year's Day. He pretended to feel much hurt and slighted when he found that Rob Steele had been coaching Dolly all vacation. "Why didn't you ask me? I was in need of such a job, and I would have done it for much less than Steele! Next time you want help, don't forget me." "Have you any references from former pupils?" Dolly asked maliciously. "Now, I call that a very unkind speech. If you are going to doubt my ability, I have nothing more to say, of course; still, next time you need help I do hope that you will give me a chance. I mean it, Miss Dolly." "I trust that there will be no 'next time.' A few such setbacks as this, and I should be obliged to leave college." "I sincerely hope there will not be, either. Now I would like a promise from you, and I hope you will not refuse to grant it. I have been intending to speak about it for some time." CHAPTER XVIII "Well?" "You want to see your brother graduate?" "Of course I do. We have not made any definite plans as yet, but I have been counting on being at Harvard for all of commencement week, if I can manage to get permission. Fred wants me to bring Mary and Beth, too." "That will be fine, but don't you see that Fred cannot do justice to three young ladies? Let me do the honors of Harvard as far as you are concerned. Come, now, promise!"