"You might change your mind," Dorothy remarked laughing, "and Tavia, there is nothing like outside help for keeping troublesome resolutions." "Guess you're right," said Tavia with a sigh. "I may as well clinch it." "No slang now," interrupted Dorothy. "Graduates never use slang." "Then I've changed my mind already," pouted Tavia, "I must have slang or die--'Liberty of speech or death!'" she exclaimed with a dramatic gesture. "Come on," pleaded Dorothy, who was really anxious that Tavia should speak to Miss Ellis before the classes assembled. To her surprise Tavia learned from her teacher that she had not so very much to make up, and could, no doubt, do it if she tried. "You have been doing very well lately," said Miss Ellis, "and during the days you were away we had scarcely any new lessons--nothing but review. You were always fair in mathematics when you put your mind to your work. Now let us see if you cannot surprise everyone by getting all through--not conditioned in anything." Such encouragement was all Tavia needed. She went to work with a will that day, and every time Dorothy glanced over at her (for Dorothy was as anxious for her success as if it were entirely her own affair) she would see Tavia "poring" over her book as if her very life depended upon her accomplishing just so much work and she was bound she would do it. How quickly the morning passed! It was so different to be busy in school, Tavia thought, so much better than having the hours drag along. At recess Alice hugged her in congratulation. "I knew he would get it," she said, referring, of course, to the new position of Mr. Travers, "and father says we girls elected him. I see you are already doing credit to the confidence with which Dalton people have intrusted your family." "I am sure father will give satisfaction," Tavia answered, ignoring the intended compliment for herself. "He had a splendid record in Millville." "And the picnic," said Alice. "Have you heard it is really coming off this time? Next Monday." "Then Sarah will be able to come," remarked Tavia, "I am just glad we waited for her." All the girls agreed it would be especially nice to have a genuine reunion, as this would be the last holiday until vacation, and that, of course, would mean a scattering of classmates. "It will be a star picnic," declared Alice, as the girls returned to the school room. "If nothing else happens," said Dorothy with apprehension for which she could not account. "Why did you say that?" asked Tavia. "I don't know. But somehow I feel as if something will happen," and Dorothy had sufficient reason afterward to remember the premonition. CHAPTER XVIII DOROTHY IN DANGER Picnic day came at last, and with it there drew up to the gate of Dalton School two four-horse wagons, the regular "straw-ride" variety.