"I'll meet you at the ten o'clock train," went on Dorothy, while even Major Dale was forced to smile at her impetuosity. "I have so many places to go, but I am going to the hospital first."
Miss Pumfret put out her hand—it shook visibly.
"Little girl," she said, "you are right. You have said it all for me. Come to-morrow and say it all over again to—Nick."
Tears fell down the old pinched cheeks, but Dorothy kissed them away. She had found the path to Jane Pumfret's affection—it was cheek, just plain cheek, sometimes called courage.
Yes, it was late, but Dorothy still had Tavia to console—if only she could insist upon Tavia spending Christmas at The Cedars—Dorothy had unlimited faith in the magic of the day before Christmas. Nat called to her as she started up to Tavia's room.
"I say, Doro, maybe I—could help. I'd like to tell her it's all right. I was mean about it. You know, Tavia and I went—in it—together."
"Oh," replied Dorothy vaguely, "I really don't know what you mean."
Nat saw that he was about to betray a secret. He thought, naturally, that Tavia had confided fully in Dorothy.
"Oh, I just meant," he stammered, "that if I can say anything to make Tavia feel—more at home, you know—don't hesitate to ask me."
Tavia was at the head of the stairs looking straight at him.