THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT WASHINGTON

or, Checkmating the Plots of Foreign Spies

By

LAURA DENT CRANE

Author of The Automobile Girls at Newport, The Automobile Girls in theBerkshires, The Automobile Girls Along the Hudson, The Automobile Girlsat Chicago, The Automobile Girls at Palm Beach, etc. 

1913

[Illustration: A Fat Chinese Gentleman Stood Regarding Her. (Frontispiece)]

CONTENTS

Chapter

 I. A Chance Meeting II. Cabinet Day in Washington III. Mr. Tu Fang Wu IV. At the Chinese Embassy V. Sub Rosa VI. The Arrest VII. Mollie's Temptation VIII. At the White House IX. Bab's Discovery X. The Confession XI. In Mr. Hamlin's Study XII. Barbara's Secret Errand XIII. A Foolish Girl XIV. "Grant No Favors!" XV. Bab Refuses to Grant a Favor XVI. Barbara's Unexpected Good Luck XVII. The White Veil XVIII. A Tangled Web or Circumstance XIX. Harriet in Danger XX. Foiled! XXI. The Discovery XXII. Oil on the Troubled Waters XXIII. Suspense and the Reward XXIV. Home at Laurel Cottage

CHAPTER I

A CHANCE MEETING

Barbara Thurston stood at the window of a large old-fashioned house, looking out into Connecticut Avenue. It was almost dark. An occasionallight twinkled outside in the street, but the room in which Barbara wasstationed was still shrouded in twilight. 

Suddenly she heard a curtain at the farther end of the drawing-roomrustle faintly. 

Bab turned and saw a young man standing between the curtains, peeringinto the shadows with a pair of near-sighted eyes. 

Barbara started. The stranger had entered the room through a small studythat adjoined it. He seemed totally unaware of any other presence, for hewas whistling softly: "Kathleen Mavourneen. "

"I beg your pardon, " Bab began impulsively, "but are you looking forsome one?"

The newcomer flashed a charming smile at Barbara. He did not seem in theleast surprised at her appearance. 

"No, " he declared cheerfully, "I was not looking for any one or anything. The butler told me Mr. Hamlin and Harriet were both out. But, I say, don't you think I am fortunate to have found you quite by accident! Icame in here to loaf a few minutes. "

Barbara frowned slightly. The young man's manner was surprisinglyfamiliar, and she had never seen him before in her life. 

"I hope I am not disturbing you, " he went on gayly. "I am an attaché ofthe Russian legation, and a friend of Miss Hamlin's. I came with amessage for Mr. Hamlin. I was wondering if it were worth while to waitfor him. But I can go away if I am troublesome. "

"Oh, no, you are not disturbing me in the least, " Barbara returned. "Iexpect Miss Hamlin and my friends soon. We arrived in Washington lastnight, and the other girls have gone out to a reception. I had a headacheand stayed at home. Won't you be seated while I ring for the butler toturn on the lights?"

The newcomer sat down, gravely watching Barbara. 

"Would you like me to guess who you are?" he asked, after half aminute's silence. 

Bab laughed. "I am sure you will give me the first chance to tell youyour name. I did not recognize you at first. But I believe Harriet toldus about you last night. She described several of her Washington friendsto us. You are Peter Dillon, aren't you?"

"At your service, " declared the young attaché, who looked almost boyish. "But now give me my opportunity. I do not know your name, but I haveguessed this much. You are an 'Automobile Girl!' Permit me to bid youwelcome to Washington. "

Barbara nodded her head decidedly. "Yes, I am Barbara Thurston, one ofthe 'Automobile Girls. ' There are four of us. Harriet has probablyexplained to you. My sister, Mollie Thurston, Grace Carter, Ruth Stuartand I form the quartet. Mr. William Hamlin is Ruth's uncle. So we aregoing to spend a few weeks here with Harriet and see the Capital. I havenever been in Washington before. "

"Then you have a new world before you, Miss Thurston, " said the youngman, his manner changing. "Washington is like no other city in the world, I think. I have been here for four years. Before that time I had lived inDublin, in Paris, in St. Petersburg. "

"Then you are not an American!" exclaimed Bab, regarding the young manwith interest. 

"I am a man without a country, Miss Thurston. " Bab's visitor laughedcarelessly. "Or, perhaps, I had better say I am a man of severalcountries. My father was an Irishman and a soldier of fortune. My motherwas a Russian. Therefore, I am a member of the Russian legation inWashington in spite of my half-Irish name. Have you ever been abroad?"

"Oh, no, " Bab returned, shaking her head. "For the past two years, sinceI have known Ruth Stuart, the 'Automobile Girls' have traveled about inthis country a good deal. But we are only school girls still. We havenever really made our début in society, although we mean to forget thiswhile we are in Washington, and to see as much of the world as we can. Ido wish I knew something about politics. It would make our visit inWashington so much more interesting. "

"It is the most interesting game in the world, " declared Barbara'scompanion, dropping for an instant his expression of indifference. Hisblue eyes flashed. Then he said quickly: "Perhaps you will let me teachyou something of the political game at Washington. I am sure you will bequick to learn and to enjoy it. "

"Thank you, " Bab answered shyly. "But I am much too stupid ever tounderstand. "

"I don't quite believe that. You know, you will, of course, hear agreat deal about politics while you are the guests of the AssistantSecretary of State. Mr. Hamlin is one of the cleverest men inWashington. I am sure you will be instructing me in diplomacy by the endof a week. But good-bye; I must not keep you any longer. Will you tellMr. Hamlin that I left the bundle of papers he desired on his studytable? And please tell Harriet that I shall hope to be invited veryoften to see the 'Automobile Girls. '"

The young man looked intently at Barbara, as though trying to read hervery thoughts while she returned his scrutiny with steady eyes. Then witha courteous bow, he left the room. 

When Barbara found herself alone she returned to the window. 

"I do wish the girls would come, " she murmured to herself. "I am justdying to know what Mollie and Grace think of their first reception inWashington. Of course, Ruth has visited Harriet before, so the experienceis not new to her. I am sorry I did not go with the girls, in spite of myheadache. I wonder if some one is coming in here again! I seem to begiving a reception here myself. "

By this time the room was lighted, and Barbara saw a young woman of abouttwenty-five years of age walk into the drawing-room and drop into a bigarm chair with a little tired sigh. 

"You are Miss Thurston, aren't you?" she asked briskly as Bab cameforward to speak to her, wondering how on earth this newcomer knew hername and what could be the reason for this unexpected call. 

"Yes, " Barbara returned in a puzzled tone, "I am Miss Thurston. "

"Oh, don't be surprised at my knowing your name, " Bab's latest callerwent on. "It is my business to know everybody. I met Mr. Dillon on thecorner. He told me Harriet Hamlin was not at home and that I had betternot come here this afternoon. I did not believe him; still I am not sorryMiss Hamlin is out, I would ever so much rather see you. Harriet Hamlinis dreadfully proud, and she is not a bit sympathetic. Do you think so?"

Bab was lost in wonder. What on earth could this talkative young womanwish of her? Did her visitor believe Bab would confide her opinion ofHarriet to a complete stranger? But the young woman did not wait foran answer. 

"I want to see you about something awfully important, " she went on. "Please promise me you will do what I ask you before I tell youwhat it is. "

Bab laughed. "Don't ask me that. Why you may be an anarchist, forall I know. "

The new girl shook her head, smiling. She looked less tired now. She waspretty and fragile, with fair hair and blue eyes. She was very pale andwas rather shabbily and carelessly dressed. 

"No; I am not an anarchist, " she said slowly. "I am a newspaper woman, which is almost as bad in some people's eyes, I suppose, considering theway society people fight against giving me news of themselves and theirdoings. I came to ask you if you would give me the pictures of the'Automobile Girls' for my paper? Oh, you need not look so surprised. Wehave all heard of the 'Automobile Girls. ' Everybody in Washington ofimportance has heard of you. Couldn't you let me write a sketch about youand your adventures, and put your photographs on the society page of ourSunday edition? It would be such a favor to me. "

Barbara looked distressed. She was beginning to like her visitor. Though Barbara had been associated mainly with wealthy people in thelast two years of the "Automobile Girls'" adventures, she could nothelp feeling interested in a girl who was evidently trying to make herown way in the world. 

"I am awfully sorry, " Bab declared almost regretfully, but before shefinished speaking the drawing-room door opened and Ruth Stuart andHarriet Hamlin entered the room together. 

"How is your head, Bab, dear?" Ruth cried, before she espied theircaller. 

Harriet Hamlin bowed coldly to the newspaper woman in the big arm chair. The young woman had flushed, looked uncomfortable at sight of Harriet andsaid almost humbly:

"I am sorry to interrupt you, Miss Hamlin, but my paper sent me to askyou for the pictures of your guests. May I have them?"

"Most certainly not, Miss Moore, " Harriet answered scornfully. "Myfriends would not dream of allowing you to publish their pictures. And myfather would not consent to it either. Just because he is AssistantSecretary of State I do not see why my visitors should be annoyed in thisway. I hope you don't mind, Ruth and Barbara. " Harriet's voice changedwhen she turned to address her cousin and friend. "Forgive my refusingMiss Moore for you. But it is out of the question. "

Ruth and Bab both silently agreed with Harriet. But Barbara could nothelp feeling sorry for the other girl, who flushed painfully at Harriet'stone and turned to go without another word. 

Bab followed the girl out into the hall. 

"I am so sorry not to give you our photographs, " Barbara declared. "But, of course, we cannot let you have them if Mr. Hamlin would object. And, to tell you the honest truth, the 'Automobile Girls' would not like iteither. " Barbara smiled in such a frank friendly way that no one couldhave been vexed with her. 

The older girl's eyes were full of tears, which she bravely winkedout of sight. 

"Everyone has his picture published in the papers nowadays, " she replied. "I am sure I intended no discourtesy to you or to Miss Hamlin. "

Then the girl's self-control gave way. She was very tired, and Bab'ssympathy unnerved her. "I hate Harriet Hamlin, " she whispered, passionately. "I am as well bred as she is. Because I am poor, and haveto support my mother, is no reason why she should treat me as though Iwere dust under her feet. I shall have a chance to get even with her, some day, just as certainly as I live. Then, won't I take my revenge!"

Barbara did not know what to reply, so she went on talking quietly. "I amsure your asking us for our pictures was a very great compliment to us. Only important people and beauties and belles have their pictures in thesociety papers. It is just because the 'Automobile Girls' are tooinsignificant to be shown such an honor that we can't consent. But pleasedon't be angry with us. I am sure Harriet did not intend to wound yourfeelings, and I hope I shall see you soon again. "

Marjorie Moore shook Barbara's hand impulsively before she went out intothe gathering darkness. "I like you, " she said warmly. "I wish we mightbe friends. Good-night. "

"Where are Mollie and Grace?" was Bab's first question when she rejoinedRuth and Harriet. 

"They would not come away from the reception, " Harriet returned, smiling. She was quite unconscious of having treated Marjorie Moore unkindly. "Ruth and I were worried about your headache, so we did not wish to leaveyou alone any longer. Strange to relate, Father offered to stay untilMollie and Grace were ready to come home. That is a great concession onhis part, as he usually runs away from a reception at the firstopportunity that offers itself. Mrs. Wilson, a friend of Father's ishelping him to look after Mollie and Grace this afternoon. Bab, did someboxes come for me this afternoon? I left orders at the shop to send themwhen Father would surely be out. Come on upstairs, children, and see mynew finery. "

"Why, Harriet, are you getting more clothes?" Ruth exclaimed. "You arelike 'Miss Flora McFlimsey, of Madison Square, who never had anythinggood enough to wear. '"

"I am no such thing, Ruth Stuart, " returned her cousin, a littlepeevishly. "You don't understand. Does she, Barbara? Ruth has so muchmoney she simply cannot realize what it means to try to make a goodappearance on a small allowance, especially here in Washington where onegoes out so much. "

"I was only joking, Harriet, " Ruth apologized as she and Barbaraobediently followed their hostess upstairs. Bab, however, secretlywondered how she and Mollie were to manage in Washington, with theirsimple wardrobes, if their young hostess thought that clothes were theall-important thing in Washington society. 

Harriet Hamlin was twenty years of age, but she seemed much older to Baband Ruth. In the first place, Harriet was an entirely different type ofgirl. She had been mistress of her father's house in Washington since shewas sixteen. She had received her father's guests and entertained hisfriends; and at eighteen she had made her début into Washington society, and had taken her position as one of the women of the Cabinet. Harriet'smother, Ruth's aunt, had died a few months before Mr. Hamlin had receivedhis appointment as Assistant Secretary of State. Since that time Harriethad borne the responsibilities of a grown woman, and being an only childshe had to a certain extent done as she pleased, although she wassecretly afraid of her cold, dignified father. 

Mr. William Hamlin was one of the ablest men in Washington. He was aquiet, stern, reserved man, and although he was proud of his daughter, ofher beauty and accomplishments, he was also very strict with her. He wasa poor man, and it was hard work for Harriet to keep up the appearancenecessary to her father's position on his salary as Assistant Secretaryof State. Harriet, however, never dared tell her father of this, and Mr. Hamlin never offered Harriet either sympathy or advice. 

Barbara and Ruth could only watch with admiring eyes and littleexclamations of delight the exquisite garments that Harriet now liftedout of three big, pasteboard boxes; a beautiful yellow crêpe frock, apale green satin evening gown and a gray broadcloth tailor-made suit. Harriet was tall and dark, with very black hair and large dark eyes. Shewas considered one of the beauties of the "younger set" in Washingtonsociety. Ruth had not seen her cousin for several years, until shereceived the invitation to bring the "Automobile Girls" to Washington. 

Ruth Stuart and Barbara Thurston had changed very little since theirlast outing together at Palm Beach. Barbara was now nearly eighteen. Atthe close of the school year she was to be graduated from the KingsbridgeHigh School. And she hoped to be able to enter Vassar College thefollowing fall. Yet the fact that she was in Washington early in Decemberrequires an explanation. 

Two weeks before Bab had walked slowly home to Laurel Cottage atabout three o'clock one November afternoon with a great pile of booksunder her arm. 

On the front porch of their little cottage she found her mother andMollie, greatly excited. A telegram had just come from Ruth Stuart. The"Automobile Girls" were invited to visit Ruth's cousin in Washington, D. C. Ruth wished them to start at the end of the week. 

Bab's face flushed with pleasure at the news. She had not been with herbeloved Ruth since the Easter before. Then the color died out of her faceand her cheeks showed an unaccustomed pallor. 

"I am so sorry, Mother, " Bab responded. "I would give anything in theworld to see Ruth. But I simply can't stop school just now, or I shalllose the scholarship. Mollie, you can accept Ruth's invitation. You andGrace Carter can go to Washington together. You won't mind goingwithout me. "

"I shall not stir a single step without you, " blue-eyed Mollie returnedfirmly. "And Mother thinks you can go!"

Mollie and Mrs. Thurston, aided by Bab's teachers, at last persuadedBarbara to take a few weeks' holiday. Bab could study to make up for losttime during the Christmas holidays. For no one, except the young womanherself, doubted Barbara's ability to win the desired Vassar scholarship. 

And so it was arranged that Bab and Mollie should go with Ruth toWashington. Bab had grown taller and more slender in the past few months. Her brown braids are now always coiled about her graceful head. Her hairwas parted in the middle, although a few little curls still escaped inthe old, careless fashion. 

Ruth Stuart, too, was looking sweeter and fresher than ever, and was thesame ingenuous, unspoiled girl, whose sunny disposition no amount ofwealth and fashion could change. 

Readers of the first volume in the "Automobile Girls Series, " entitled"The Automobile Girls At Newport, " will recall how, nearly two years ago, Ruth Stuart, with her father and her aunt, Miss Sallie Stuart, came fromtheir home in far away Chicago to spend the summer in Kingsbridge, NewJersey. The day that Barbara Thurston stopped a pair of runaway horsesand saved Ruth Stuart from death she did not dream that she had turnedthe first page in the history of the "Automobile Girls. " A warmfriendship sprang up between Ruth and Bab, and a little later Ruth Stuartinvited Barbara, her younger sister, Mollie Thurston, and their friend, Grace Carter, to take a trip to Newport in her own, red automobile withRuth herself as chauffeur and her aunt, Miss Sallie Stuart, as chaperon. 

Exciting days at Newport followed, and the four girls brought to bay the"Boy Raffles, " the cracksman, who had puzzled the fashionable world!There were many thrilling adventures connected with the discovery of this"society thief, " and the "Automobile Girls" proved themselves capable ofmeeting whatever emergencies sprang up in their path. 

In "The Automobile Girls in the Berkshires, " the second volume of the"Automobile Girls Series, " the scene is laid in a little log cabin ontop of one of the highest peaks in the Berkshire hills, where the fourgirls and Miss Sallie spent a happy period of time "roughing it. " Thereit was that they discovered an Indian Princess and laid the "Ghost ofLost Man's Trail. "

In the third volume of the series, "The Automobile Girls Along theHudson, " the quartet of youthful travelers, accompanied by Miss SallieStuart, motored through the beautiful Sleepy Hollow country, spendingseveral weeks at the home of Major Ted Eyck, an old friend of theStuarts. There many diverting experiences fell to their lot, and beforeleaving the hospitable major's home they were instrumental in saving itfrom destruction by forest fires. 

The fourth volume of the series, "The Automobile Girls at Chicago, "relates the adventures of the four friends during the Christmas holidays, which Mollie, Grace and Bab spent with Ruth at Chicago and at"Treasureholme, " the country estate of the Presbys, who were cousins ofthe Stuart family. While there, principally through the cleverness ofBarbara Thurston, the hiding place of a rich treasure buried by one ofThe ancestors of the Presbys was discovered in time to prevent thefinancial ruin of both Richard Presby and Robert Stuart, who had becomedeeply involved through speculation in wheat. 

Before Mollie, Grace and Barbara returned to Kingsbridge, Mr. Stuart hadpromised that they should see Ruth again in March at Palm Beach, where hehad planned a happy reunion for the "Automobile Girls. " There it wasthat they had, through a series of happenings, formed the acquaintance ofa mysterious countess and become involved in the net of circumstancesthat was woven about her. How they continued to be her friend in spite ofdark rumors afloat to the effect that she was an impostor and how sheafterwards turned out to be a princess, is fully set forth in "TheAutomobile Girls at Palm Beach. "

"Really, Bab, " said Ruth, as the two girls went upstairs to their roomsto dress for dinner, "I have not had a chance to talk to you, alone, since we arrived in Washington. How is your mother?"

"As well as can be, " Bab answered. "How is darling Aunt Sallie? I am sosorry she did not come to Washington with you to chaperon us. There is notelling what mischief we may get into without her. "

Ruth laughed. "I have special instructions for the 'Automobile Girls'from Aunt Sallie. We are to be particularly careful to mind our 'P's' and'Q's' on this visit, for Aunt Sallie wishes us to make a good impressionin Washington. "

Barbara sighed. "I'll try, Ruth, " she declared, "but you know whatremarkable talent I have for getting into mischief. "

"Then you are to be specially par-tic-u-lar, Mistress Bab!" Ruth saidteasingly. "For Aunt Sallie's last words to me were: 'Tell Barbara she isto look before she leaps. '"

Barbara shook her brown head vigorously. "I am not the impetuous Bab ofother automobile days. But, just the same, I wish Aunt Sallie had comealong with you. "

"Oh, she may join us later, " Ruth returned. "To tell you the truth, Bab, Aunt Sallie is not fond of Harriet. She thinks Harriet is clever andpretty, but vain and spoiled. Here come Mollie and Grace. Home from thatreception at last!"

The other two girls burst into Ruth's room at this moment. 

"Whom do you think we have seen?" called out Miss Mollie rapturously. "Oh, Washington is the greatest fun! I feel just like a girl in a book, we have been presented to so many noted people. I tell you, BarbaraThurston, we are country girls no longer! Now we have been travelingabout the country so much with Ruth and Mr. Stuart, that we know peopleeverywhere. Just guess whom we know in Washington?"

"I can guess, " Ruth rejoined, clapping her hands. "You have seen Mrs. Post and Hugh. Surely, you had not forgotten that they live inWashington. Hugh has finished college and has a position in the ForestryDepartment. I had a note from him this morning. "

"And didn't tell! Oh, Ruth!" teased Grace Carter. "But, Bab, what aboutour Lenox friends, who spend their winters in Washington?"

"You mean Dorothy and Gwendolin Morton, the British Ambassador'sdaughters, and funny little Franz Haller, the German secretary, I hope weshall see them. But do hurry, children. Please don't keep the AssistantSecretary of State waiting for his dinner. That would surely be a badbeginning for our Washington visit. No, Mollie Thurston; don't you put onyour very best dress for dinner to-night. I have just gotten out yourwhite muslin. "

"But Harriet wears such lovely clothes all the time, Bab, " Molliepleaded, when she and Barbara were alone. 

"Never mind, child. Harriet Hamlin is not Mollie Thurston, " Barbaraconcluded wisely. 

CHAPTER II

CABINET DAY IN WASHINGTON

It was Harriet Hamlin's reception day. There are certain times appointedin Washington when the members of the President's Cabinet holdreceptions. 

The "Automobile Girls" had come to Washington in time for one of thesespecial entertainments. For, as Harriet explained, they could seeeveryone worth seeing at once. Not only would the diplomats, the senatorsand congressmen call with their wives, but the Army and Navy officers, all official Washington would appear to pay their respects to Mr. WilliamHamlin and his lovely daughter. 

"Then there will be a crowd of unimportant people besides, " Harriet hadcontinued. "People who are never asked to any small parties come to thisreception just because they can get in. So you girls will have toentertain yourselves this morning. I have a thousand things to do. Whynot take the girls to look at the White House, Ruth? That is the firstthing to do in Washington. I am sorry I can't go with you. But you justwalk straight down Connecticut Avenue and you can't miss it. "

It was a perfect day. Although it was early in December, the atmospherewas like Indian summer. Washington shone sparkling white through a dimveil of haze. The "Automobile Girls" walked briskly along toward theWhite House, chatting every step of the way. 

"Where are the poplar trees planted along this avenue by ThomasJefferson, Ruth?" Grace Carter demanded. "I read somewhere that Jeffersonmeant to make this avenue look like the famous street called '_Unter denLinden_' in Berlin. "

"He did, child, but most of the poplar trees died, " Ruth rejoined, "andsome one else planted these oaks and elms. Why are you so silent, Barbara? Are you tired?"

"I think Washington is the most beautiful city in the whole world, " Babanswered with sudden enthusiasm. 

"Wait until you have seen it, " Ruth teased. "Uncle William wants to takeus through the Capitol. But I suppose there is no harm in our looking atthe outside of the White House. Later on, when we go to one of thePresident's receptions, we can see the inside of it. "

"Shall we ever see the President?" Mollie asked breathlessly. "Won't itbe wonderful? I never dreamed that even Mr. Hamlin could take us to thePresident's home. "

"Here we are at the White House, " said Ruth. 

The "Automobile Girls" stood silent for a moment, looking in through theautumn foliage at the simple colonial mansion, which is the historic"White House. "

"I am glad our White House looks like that, " Bab said, after half amoment's pause. "I was so afraid it would be pretentious. But it is justbig and simple and dignified as our President's home ought to be. Itmakes me feel so glad to be an American, " Barbara ended with a flush. Shewas afraid the other girls were laughing at her. 

"I think so too, Bab, " Ruth agreed. "I don't see why girls cannot be aspatriotic as boys. We may be able to serve our country in some way, someday. I hope we shall have the chance. "

The "Automobile Girls" had entered the White House grounds and werestrolling along through the park. 

Bab and Ruth were talking of the beauties of Washington. But no suchthoughts were engrossing pretty Mollie's attention. Mollie's mind wasdwelling on the society pleasures the "Automobile Girls" expected toenjoy at the Capital City. Grace Carter was listening to Barbara's andRuth's animated conversation. 

From the very first days at Newport, Mollie Thurston had cared more forsociety than had her sister and two friends. Her dainty beauty and prettymanners made her a favorite wherever she went. Mollie's friends hadspoiled her, and since her arrival in Washington the old story hadrepeated itself. Harriet Hamlin had already taken Mollie under herspecial protection. And Mollie was wildly excited with the thought of thesocial experiences ahead of her. 

The four girls spent some time strolling about the White Housegrounds. Then Ruth proposed that they take a car and visit theCongressional Library. 

"I think it is the most beautiful building in Washington, and, in fact, one of the finest in the world, " she said enthusiastically, and laterwhen the "Automobile Girls" were fairly inside the famous library, theyfully agreed with her. It was particularly hard to tear Barbara away fromwhat seemed to her the most fascinating place she was ever in, and sheannounced her intention of visiting it again at the first opportunity. 

The sightseers arrived home in time for luncheon and at four o'clock thatafternoon they stood in a row, beside Harriet Hamlin and her father, helping to receive the guests who crowded in to the reception. Some ofthe women wore beautiful gowns, others looked as though they had comefrom small towns where the residents knew nothing of fashionable society. 

Mollie and Bab wore the white chiffon frocks Mr. Prescott had presentedthem with in Chicago. But Grace and Ruth wore gowns that had been orderedfor this particular occasion. Bab thought their white frocks, whichlooked as though they were new, as pretty as any of the gowns worn there. But little Mollie was not satisfied. She hated old clothes, no matter howwell they looked. And Harriet Hamlin was rarely beautiful in an importedgown of pale, yellow crêpe. 

After receiving for an hour, Bab slipped quietly into a chair near awindow. She wished to examine the guests at her leisure. Mollie and Ruthwere deep in conversation with Mrs. Post and Hugh. Grace was talking toDorothy and Gwendolin Morton. 

Barbara's eyes wandered eagerly over the throng of people. Suddenly someone touched her on the shoulder. 

"You do not remember me, do you?"

Bab turned and saw a young woman. 

"I am Marjorie Moore, " said the newcomer. "I am the girl who came to askyou for your pictures. Perhaps you think it is strange for me to come toHarriet Hamlin's reception when she was so rude to me last night. But Iam not a guest. Besides, newspaper people are not expected to have anyfeelings. My newspaper sent me to find out what people were here thisafternoon. So here I am! I know everybody in Washington. Would you likeme to point out some of the celebrities to you? See that stunning womanjust coming in at the door? She has the reputation of being the mostpopular woman in Washington. But nobody knows just where she comes from, or who she is, or how she gets her money. But I must not talk Washingtongossip. You'll meet her soon yourself. "

"How do you do, Miss Moore?" broke in a charming contralto voice. "You are the very person I wish to see. I can give you some news foryour paper. It is not very important, but I thought you might liketo have it. "

"You are awfully good, Mrs. Wilson, " Marjorie Moore replied gratefully. "I have just been talking to Miss Thurston about you. May I introduceher? She has just arrived in Washington, and I told her, only half asecond ago, that you were the nicest woman in this town. "

Mrs. Wilson laughed quietly. "I know Miss Thurston's sister and herfriend, Miss Carter. Mr. Hamlin let me help chaperon them at a receptionyesterday afternoon. But Miss Moore has been flattering me dreadfully. Iam a very unimportant person, though I happen to have the good fortune tobe a friend of Mr. Hamlin's and Harriet's. I am keeping house inWashington at present. Some day you must come to see me. "

Bab thanked her new acquaintance. She thought she had never seen a moreunusual looking woman. It was impossible to guess her age. Mrs. Wilson'shair was snow-white, but her face was as young as a girl's and her eyeswere fascinatingly dark under her narrow penciled brows. She was gownedin a pale blue broadcloth dress, and wore on her head a large black hattrimmed with a magnificent black plume. 

"The top of the afternoon to you!" declared a new arrival in Bab'ssheltered corner. "How is a man to find you if you will hide behindcurtains?" This time Bab recognized Peter Dillon, her acquaintance of theafternoon before. 

Mrs. Wilson, whose manner suggested a charming frankness and innocence, took Peter by the arm. "Which of the three Graces do you mean to devoteyourself to this afternoon, Peter? You shall not flatter us all at once. "

"I flatter?" protested Peter, in aggrieved tones. "Why truthfulness is mystrong point. "

Marjorie Moore gave a jarring laugh. "Is it, Mr. Dillon?" she returned, not too politely. "Please count me out of Mr. Dillon's flatteries. Hedoes not include a woman who works in them. " Marjorie Moore hurried away. 

"Whew-w!" ejaculated Peter. "Miss Moore does not love me, does she? Icame up only to say a few words. Miss Hamlin is keeping me busy thisafternoon. Come and have some coffee, Miss Thurston. I am sure youlook tired. "

"I would rather not, " Barbara protested. "I am going to run away upstairsfor a minute, if you will excuse me. "

Before Barbara could make her escape from the drawing-room she saw thatPeter Dillon and Mrs. Wilson had both lost their frivolous manner andwere deep in earnest conversation. 

CHAPTER III

MR. TU FANG WU

Bab knew that at the rear of this floor of Mr. Hamlin's house there was asmall room that was seldom used. She hoped to find refuge in it for a fewminutes, and then to return to her friends. 

The room was empty. Bab sank down into a great arm chair andclosed her eyes. 

A few moments later she opened them though she heard no sound. A fatlittle Chinese gentleman stood regarding her with an expression ofamusement on his face. 

Barbara jumped hastily to her feet. Where was she? She felt frightened. Although the man before her was yellow and foreign, and wore strangeChinese clothes, he was evidently a person of importance. Had Barbaraawakened at the Court of Pekin? Her companion wore a loose, black satincoat, heavily embroidered in flowers and dragons and a round, closefitting silk cap with a button on top of it. 

"I beg your pardon, " Bab exclaimed in confusion. "Whom did you wish tosee? There is no one in here. "

The Chinese gentleman made Bab a stately bow. "No one, " he protested. "This is the first time, since my residence in America, that I have heardan American girl speak of herself as no one. Miss United States is alwayssome one in her own country. But may I therefore present myself to little'Miss No One'? I am Dr. Tu Fang Wu, His Imperial Chinese Majesty's EnvoyExtraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States. "

"I am very proud to meet you, Mr. Minister, " Barbara returned, wonderingif "Mr. Minister" was the proper way to address a foreign ambassador. She thought Mr. Hamlin had told her so, only the night before. 

Bab did not know in the least what she should do or say to such adistinguished Oriental. She might make a mistake at any minute. For Babhad been learning, every hour since her arrival in Washington, that in noplace is social etiquette more important than in the Capital City. 

"May I find Mr. Hamlin for you?" Bab suggested, hoping to make herescape. 

The Chinese Minister shook his head slowly. "Mr. Hamlin is engaged withhis other guests. "

"Then won't you be seated?" Bab asked in desperation. Really she and thisstrange yellow gentleman could not stand staring at each other the wholeafternoon. It made Bab feel creepy to have a Chinaman regard her sosteadfastly and without the slightest change of expression, even if hewere a foreign minister. 

Bab felt this meeting to be one of the strangest experiences of her wholelife. She had never seen a Chinaman before, except on the street carryinga basket of laundry. But here she was forced into a tête-à-tête with onein the highest social position. 

"Have you any daughters?" Barbara asked in her effort to break theawful silence. 

Mr. Tu Fang Wu again bowed gravely. "I have one daughter and one smallson. My daughter is not here with me this afternoon. Chinese girls donot go to entertainments where there are young men. My daughter has beenbrought up according to the customs of our country. But she has been inWashington for several years. I fear she, too, would like to beemancipated, like the American girl. It is not possible, although sheenjoys many privileges she will not have when she returns to China. Mydaughter is betrothed to a nobleman in her own country. Perhaps you wouldlike to meet my daughter, Wee Tu? She is fifteen years old. I shall askMiss Hamlin to bring you to luncheon at the Embassy. "

To Barbara's relief Mr. William Hamlin now appeared at the door. 

The Chinese minister again bowed profoundly to Barbara. "I waslooking for your smoking-room, " he laughed, "but I found this youngwoman instead. "

As the two men went out of the room, Bab had difficulty in making surethat she had not been dreaming of this fat, yellow gentleman. 

"Barbara Thurston, what do you mean by running away by yourself?"exclaimed Grace Carter, a moment later. "We have been looking for you forten minutes. "

Hugh Post, Mollie and a strange young man were close behind Grace. 

"I want to present my friend, Lieutenant Elmer Wilson, " Hugh announced. "He is a very important person in Washington. "

"Not a bit of it, " laughed the young man. "I am one of the President'saides. I try to make myself generally useful. "

"Your work must be very interesting, " Barbara said quickly. "Do you--"

Just then a soft contralto voice interrupted her. "Are you ready to gowith me, Elmer?" it said. 

Barbara recognized the voice as belonging to the Mrs. Wilson whom she hadmet in the drawing room not an hour before. Could it be that this youngand lovely looking woman was the mother of Elmer Wilson? Surely the youngman was at least twenty-two years old. 

"Coming in a moment, Mother, " Elmer replied. "Have you said good-byeto Harriet?"

"Harriet is not in the reception room now. Nearly all her guests havegone, " Mrs. Wilson murmured softly. "Mr. Hamlin is angry. But poorHarriet ought to have a chance to talk for a few minutes to the richestyoung man in Washington. I will leave you, Elmer. If you see Harriet, youmay tell her I did not think it fair to disturb her. "

Barbara went back to the drawing-room to search for Ruth. She found Ruthstanding next her uncle, Mr. Hamlin, saying the adieux in Harriet'splace. A few moments later the last visitor had withdrawn and Mr. Hamlinquickly left Ruth and Bab alone. 

Mr. Hamlin was a small man, with iron gray hair, a square jaw and thin, tightly closed lips. He seldom talked, and the "Automobile Girls" feltsecretly afraid of him. 

"Uncle is dreadfully angry with Harriet, " Ruth explained to Bab, afterMr. Hamlin was out of hearing. "But he is awfully strict and I do notthink he is exactly fair. He does not give Harriet credit for what shedoes, but he gets awfully cross if she makes any mistakes. Harriet isupstairs, in her own sitting-room, talking to a great friend of hers. Heis a man Uncle hates, although he has known Charlie Meyers sincechildhood. He is immensely rich, but he is very ill-bred, and that is whyUncle dislikes him. I don't think Harriet cares a bit more for this youngman than she does for half a dozen others. But if Uncle doesn't look outHarriet will marry him for spite. Harriet hates being poor. She is notpoor, really. But I am afraid she is terribly extravagant. Promise not tolaugh when you see Charlie Meyers. He looks a little like a pig, he is sopink and fat. "

"Girls!" called Harriet's voice. "Are you still in here? Mr. Meyers hasjust gone, and I wanted you to meet him. He is going to have a motorparty and take you to see Mount Vernon. We can drive along the Potomacand have our supper somewhere in the country. "

"I'm going to drive Mr. A. Bubble, Harriet, " Ruth replied. "As long as Ibrought my car to Washington I must use it. But I suppose we can get upguests enough to fill two automobiles, can't we?"

"Where's Father?" Harriet inquired, trying to conceal a tremor in hervoice. "Did he know I was upstairs?"

"I am afraid he did, Harriet, " Ruth replied. 

"Well, I don't care, " declared Harriet defiantly. "I will select my ownfriends. Charlie Meyers is stupid and ill-bred, but he is good natured, and I am tired of position and poverty. "

"You are no such thing, Harriet, " protested Ruth, taking her cousin bythe hand and leading her to a long mirror. "There, look at yourself inyour yellow gown. You look like a queen. Please don't be silly. "

"It's clothes that make the woman, Ruth, " Harriet replied, kissing Ruthunexpectedly. "And this yellow gown is just one of the things thattroubles me. Dear me, I am glad the reception is over!"

CHAPTER IV

AT THE CHINESE EMBASSY

"Shall we eat our luncheon with chopsticks to-day?" Mollie Thurston askedHarriet Hamlin an hour before the "Automobile Girls" and their hostesswere to start for the Chinese Embassy. 

Harriet laughed good-humoredly at Mollie's question. "You absurd child, don't you know the Chinese minister is one of the most cultivated men inWashington! When he is in America he does what the Americans do. But hiswife, Lady Tu, is delightfully Chinese. She paints her face in theChinese fashion and wears beautiful Chinese clothes in her own home. Andthe little Chinese daughter is a darling. Really, Mollie, you will feelas though you had been on a trip to the Orient when you meet daintylittle Wee Tu. "

"Oh, I don't believe a Chinese girl can be attractive, " Mollie argued, her eyes fixed on the pile of pretty gowns which Harriet was laying outon her bed. 

"Do wear the rose-colored gown to-day, Harriet!" Mollie pleaded. "It issuch a love of a frock and so becoming to you with your white skin anddark hair. Dear me, it must be nice to have such lovely clothes!" Molliepaused for a minute. 

Harriet turned around to find her little friend blushing. 

"I do hope, " Mollie went on, "that you are not going to feel ashamed ofBab and me while we are your guests in Washington. You can see foryourself that we are poor, and have only a few gowns. Of course it isdifferent with Grace and Ruth. But our father is dead, and--" Molliestopped. She did not know how to go on with her explanation. Somehow shedid not feel that Barbara or her mother would approve of her apologizingto Harriet for their simple wardrobes. 

"Mollie!" Harriet exclaimed reproachfully. "You know I think you andBarbara are so pretty and clever that it does not matter what yourclothes are like. Besides, if you should ever want anything special towear while you are here, why, I have a host of gowns. "

Mollie shook her head. Of course she could not borrow Harriet's gowns. And, though Harriet was trying to comfort her, her tone showed veryplainly that she had noticed the slimness of the Thurston girls'preparations in the matter of wardrobe for several weeks of gayety inWashington. 

At a little before one o'clock the "Automobile Girls" and Harriet wereushered into the reception room of the Chinese Embassy by a grave Chineseservant clad in immaculate white and wearing his long pig-tail curled ontop of his head. 

The minister and his wife came forward. Lady Tu wore a dress of heavyChinese embroidery with a long skirt and a short full coat. Her hair wasinky black and built out on each side of her head. She had a band of goldacross it and golden flowers set with jewels hung above each ear. Herface was enameled in white and a small patch of crimson was painted justunder her lip. 

Bab could hardly restrain an exclamation of delight at the beauty of thereception room. The walls were covered with Chinese silk and heavy panelsof embroidery. A Chinese banner, with a great dragon on it, hung over themantel-piece. The furniture was elaborately carved teakwood. 

The girls at once glanced around for the Chinese minister's daughter. Butshe was no where to be seen. Instead, Peter Dillon, Bab's first chanceacquaintance in Washington, was smiling a welcome. Mrs. Wilson and herson were also present. The two or three other visitors were unknown tothe "Automobile Girls. " Even when luncheon was served the little Chinesegirl did not make her appearance. The four girls were beginning to feelrather disappointed. They had come to the Embassy chiefly to see Wee Tu, and they were evidently not going to be granted that pleasure. 

Just as they were about to go back to the reception room, Mr. Tu Fang Wusuggested courteously to his girl guests: "If it pleases you, will younow go up to my daughter's apartments? She does not eat her meals with uswhen we entertain young men guests. It is not the custom of our country. "The Chinese minister touched a bell and another Chinese servant appeared, his slippered feet making no noise. At the top of the stairs a Chinesewoman met the "Automobile Girls" and conducted them to the apartment ofWee Tu, the minister's daughter. 

Wee Tu bowed her head to the floor when the "Automobile Girls" entered. But when she raised her face her little black eyes were glowing, and afaint pink showed under her smooth, yellow skin. Think what it meant tothis little Chinese maid, with her shut-in life, to meet four Americangirls like Barbara, Ruth, Grace and Mollie! Harriet had lingered behindfor a few moments. 

"Your most honorable presence does my miserable self much honor, " statedWee Tu automatically. 

Bab laughed. She simply could not help it. Wee Tu's greeting seemed soabsurd to her ears, though she knew it was the Chinese manner ofspeaking. But Bab's merry laugh saved the situation, as it often had donebefore, for the little Chinese maid laughed in return, and the five girlssat giggling in the most intimate fashion. 

The servant passed around preserved Chinese fruits, nuts and driedmelon seed. 

"Is Miss Hamlin not with you?" the Chinese minister's daughter askedfinally, in broken English. 

At this moment Harriet's voice was heard in the corridor. She was talkinggayly to Peter Dillon. The Chinese girl caught the sound of the youngman's charming laugh. Bab was gazing straight at Wee Tu. Wee Tu lookedlike a beautiful Chinese doll, not a bit like a human being. 

At the entrance to Wee Tu's apartment Peter bowed gracefully. He waiteduntil Harriet entered. 

"Your most honorable ladyship, " he inquired. "Have I your permission toenter your divine apartment? Your most noble father has waived ceremonyin my favor and says I may be allowed to see you in company with yourother guests. You are to pretend you are an American girl to-day. "

Wee Tu again made a low bow, almost touching the soft Chinese rug withher crown of black hair. Her mantle was of blue silk crepe embroidered inlotus flowers, and she wore artificial lotus blossoms drooping on eitherside of her head. 

After Peter's entrance, Wee Tu did not speak nor smile. She sat with herslender yellow hands clasped together, her nails so long they were tippedwith gold to prevent their breaking. Her tiny feet in their embroideredslippers looked much too small for walking. 

Peter made himself agreeable to all the girls. He chatted with Harriet, joked with Bab and Ruth. Now and then he spoke to the Chinese girl insome simple gentle fashion that she could understand. 

"Peter Dillon is awfully attractive, " Bab thought. "I wonder why Iwas prejudiced against him at first because of what that newspapergirl said. "

Peter walked with Barbara back to Mr. Hamlin's house. 

"Would you mind my asking you a question?" Bab demanded when they werefairly on the way. 

Peter laughed. "It's a woman's privilege, isn't it?"

"Well, how do you happen to be so intimate at the Chinese minister's?"was Barbara's direct question. "They seemed so formal and then all of asudden Mr. Tu Fang Wu let you come up to see his daughter. "

"I know them very well, " Peter returned simply. "I often dine at theChinese minister's with his family. So I have met his daughter severaltimes before. I have made myself useful to Mr. Tu Fang Wu once or twice, and my legation likes me to keep in touch with the people in authority. "

"Oh, " exclaimed Barbara. She remembered that Peter was equally intimateat Mr. Hamlin's, and she wondered how he managed to keep up such avariety of acquaintances. 

"I wonder if you would do a fellow a favor some day?" Peter asked. "I'llbet you have lots of nerve. Harriet is apt to get frightened at thecritical minute. "

"It would all depend on what you asked me to do, " Bab returned puzzled byPeter's remark. 

"Oh, I won't ask you until I have managed to do something for you first. It is only that I think you can see a joke and I have a good one that Imean to try some day, " Peter replied. 

CHAPTER V

SUB ROSA

The next morning, Peter Dillon was lounging in Mrs. Wilson's library, chatting with her on apparently easy terms. 

"I think it is a special dispensation of Providence that sent the'Automobile Girls' to Washington to visit Harriet Hamlin just at thisparticular time, Mrs. Wilson, " declared Peter Dillon. 

Mrs. Wilson walked back and forth across her drawing room floor severaltimes before she answered. She looked older in the early morning light. But her restlessness did not disturb Peter, who was reclining gracefullyin a chair, smoking a cigarette. 

"I am not sure you have reason to bless Providence, Peter Dillon, " Mrs. Wilson protested. "What a man you are! You simply cannot judge all girlsby the same standard. Some day you are going to meet a girl who iscleverer than you are. And then, where will you be?"

"Oh, I'll go slowly, " Peter argued. "I know I am taking chances in makingfriends with the clever one. But she has more nerve and courage than theothers. I am sure it will be much better to leave Harriet out of thewhole business, if possible. "

"All right, Peter, " Mrs. Wilson agreed. "Manage your own affairs, sincethis happens to be your own special joke. But you had much better haveleft the whole matter to me. "

"And spoil my good time with five charming girls?" Peter protested, smiling. "No, Mrs. Wilson; that is too much to ask of me. If I can'tcarry the thing off successfully, you will come to the rescue and helpme. You've promised that. We have had our little jokes together before. But this strikes me as being about the best of the whole lot. We willhave everybody in Washington laughing up his sleeve pretty soon. Therewill be a few people who won't laugh, but so long as we keep quiet weneed not worry about them. Has Elmer gone to work? I know I have madeyou a dreadfully early visit. It is very charming of you to be up intime to see me. "

"Don't flatter me, Peter; it is not worth while, " Mrs. Wilson saidangrily. Then she smiled. "Never mind, Peter; you can no more helpflattering than you can help breathing, whether your reason is a good ora bad one. I suppose it is because you are an Irishman. By the way, Elmeradmires one of these charming 'Automobile Girls. ' He has talked of noone else except Mollie Thurston since Harriet's tea. Be careful what yousay or do before him. "

"I shall be careful, " Peter returned easily. "My attentions are directedtoward the other sister. How have you managed to keep that big boy ofyours so much in the dark about--oh, a number of things?" finished Peter. 

"It is because Elmer has perfect faith in me, Peter, " Mrs. Wilsonanswered, passing her hand over her eyes to hide their expression. 

"As all other men have had before him, my lady, " Peter avowed. "Is ittrue that Mr. William Hamlin is now a worshiper at your shrine?"

"Absurd!" protested Mrs. Wilson. "Here comes Elmer. "

"Why, Peter Dillon, this is a surprise!" exclaimed the young lieutenant, walking into the room in search of his mother. "I never knew Mother toget up so early before. I have just been inquiring of your maid, Mother, to know what had become of you. Harriet Hamlin wants you to chaperon uson an automobile ride out to Mt. Vernon and along the Potomac River. Charlie Meyers is giving the party, and Harriet thinks her father won'tobject if you will go along to look after us. That Charlie Meyers is anawful bounder! But Harriet wants to show her little Yankee visitors thesights. Do come along with us, Mother. For I have a fancy I should liketo stroll through the old Washington garden with 'sweet sixteen. '"

"I will chaperon you with pleasure, Elmer, " Mrs. Wilson agreed. "But whatabout you, Peter? Are you not invited?"

Peter looked chagrined. 

"No; I am not invited, and I call it unkind of Harriet. She knows I amdreadfully impressed with the 'Automobile Girls. '"

Mrs. Wilson and Elmer both laughed provokingly. "That is just what's thetrouble with you, Peter. Harriet is accustomed to your devotion to her. Now that you have turned your thoughts in another direction, she may lookupon you as a faithless swain, " Mrs. Wilson teased. 

"Don't undertake more than you can manage, Peter, " teased Elmer Wilson. 

"That is good advice for Peter. Remember, Peter, I have warned you. Someday you will run across a girl who is cleverer than you are. Then lookout, young man, " Mrs. Wilson repeated. 

But Peter only laughed cheerfully. "What girl isn't cleverer than a man?"he protested. "_Au revoir_. I shall do my best to persuade Harriet tolet me go along with her party this afternoon. I suppose we shall bestarting soon after luncheon, as it is Saturday. "

"Mother, can you let me have some money?" Elmer asked, as soon as Peterwas out of hearing. "I am ashamed to ask you for it. But going out insociety does cost a fellow an awful lot. "

Mrs. Wilson shook her head. "I am sorry, Boy; I can't let you haveanything just now. I am short of money myself at present. But I expect tohave some money coming in, say in about two weeks, or even ten days. ThenI can let you have what you like. "

 * * * * *

"How shall we divide our party for the motor ride, Ruth?" asked HarrietHamlin about two o'clock on the afternoon of the same day. 

Ruth's red car was standing in front of Mr. Hamlin's door with anotherlarger one belonging to Harriet's friend, Charlie Meyers, waitingbehind it. 

The automobile party stood out on the side walk and Peter Dillon hadsomehow managed to be one of them. 

"Suppose, Barbara, Grace and Hugh Post go along with me, Harriet?" Ruthproposed. "Mr. Meyers' car is larger than mine. He can take the rest ofthe party. "

"What a division!" protested Peter Dillon, as he climbed into Ruth'sautomobile and took his seat next Bab. "Do you suppose, for one instant, that we are going to see Hugh Post drive off, the only man among threegirls? Not if I can help it!"

The two automobiles traveled swiftly through Washington allowing the four"Automobile Girls" only tantalizing glimpses of the executive buildingswhich they passed on the way. 

In about an hour the cars covered the sixteen miles that lay between theCapital City and the home of its first President. 

Such a deep and abiding tranquillity pervaded the atmosphere of Mt. Vernon that the noisy chatter of the young people was, for an instant, hushed into silence, as they drove through the great iron gates at theentrance to Mt. Vernon, and on up the elm-shaded lawn to the house. 

Although it was December, the fall had been unusually warm and the treeswere not yet bare of their autumn foliage; the grass still looked smoothand green under foot. 

The "Automobile Girls" held their breath as their eyes rested on the mostfamous historic home in America. 

"Oh, Ruth!" exclaimed Bab. But when she saw Peter's eyes smiling at herenthusiasm she stopped and would not say another word. 

Of course, Mt. Vernon was an old story to Mrs. Wilson, to Harriet, andindeed to the entire party, except the four girls. But they wished to seeevery detail of the Washington house. They went into the wide hall andthere beheld the key to the Bastile presented by Lafayette to GeneralWashington. They examined the music room, with its queer, old-fashionedmusical instruments; went up to Martha Washington's bedroom and evenlooked upon the white-canopied bed where George Washington died. Indeed, they wandered from garret to cellar in the old house. But it was abeautiful afternoon and the outdoors called them at last. 

And, after all, it is the outdoors at Mt. Vernon that is most beautiful. The house is a simple country home with a wide, old-fashioned portico andgallery built of frame and painted to look like stone. 

But there is no palace on the Rhine, no castle in Spain, that has a morebeautiful natural situation than Mt. Vernon. It stands on a piece ofgently swelling land that slopes gradually down to the Potomac, andcommands a view of many miles of the broad and noble river. 

Bab and Ruth managed to get away from the rest of their party and to slipout on the wide colonnaded veranda. 

"How peaceful and beautiful it is out here, " Ruth exclaimed, with herarm around her friend's waist. "It seems to me that, if I lived inWashington, I would just run out here whenever anything uncomfortablehappened to me. I am sure, if I spent the day at Mt. Vernon, I should notfeel trouble any more. "

Barbara stood silent. A vague premonition of some possible troubleovertook her. 

"Ruth, " Bab asked suddenly, "do you like Harriet's friend, Peter Dillon?Every now and then he talks to me in the most mysterious fashion. I don'tunderstand what he means. "

Ruth looked unusually grave. Then she answered Bab in a very curioustone. "I know you have lots of common sense, Bab, dear, " Ruth began. "Butpromise me you won't put any special faith in Peter Dillon. He is not onebit like Hugh, or Ralph Ewing, or the boys we met at the Major's houseparty. When I meet any one who is such a favorite with everyone I alwayswonder whether he has any real feelings or whether he is trying toaccomplish some end. I suppose Peter Dillon can't help striving to beagreeable to everyone. "

Bab laughed a little. "Why, Ruth, " she protested, "that idea does notsound a bit like you. You are sweet to everyone yourself, dear, andeveryone loves you. But I do know what you mean about Peter Dillon. I--"

"Hello, " cried Mollie's sweet voice. She waved a long blue scarftoward Ruth and Bab. Mollie and Elmer Wilson were standing on thelawn, examining the motto on the sun dial. It read, "I record none butsunny hours. "

"Let me write down that motto for you, Miss Thurston, " Elmer Wilsonsuggested. "I hope you may follow the old sun dial's example and recordnone but sunny hours yourself. "

"Ruth!" called Hugh, coming around from the other side of the porch withPeter Dillon. "Well, here you are, at last! It is not fair for you twogirls to run off together like this. Harriet has disappeared, and Mrs. Wilson is hiding somewhere. Do you remember, Ruth, you promised to gowith me to see the old Washington deer park. It has just been restockedwith deer. Won't you come, too, Bab?"

Barbara shook her head as Hugh and Ruth walked off together. Bab feltsure that Hugh would like to have a chance to talk with Ruth alone, for they had never ceased to be intimate friends since the early daysat Newport. 

Peter Dillon stood looking out at the river, whistling softly, "KathleenMavourneen. " It was the song Barbara had first heard him whistle in thedrawing-room of Mr. Hamlin's house. The young man said nothing, for a fewmoments, even when he and Bab were alone. But when Bab came over towardhim, Peter smiled. He had his hat off and he had run his hands throughhis dark auburn hair. 

"I say, Miss Thurston, why can't you make up your mind to like me?" hequestioned. "Surely you don't suspect me of dark designs, do you? YouAmerican people are so strange. Just because I am half a Russian youthink I have some sinister purpose in my mind. I am not an anarchist, and I don't want to go about trampling on the poor. I wish you couldmeet the Russian ambassador. He is about the most splendid-looking manyou ever saw. I know him, well, you see, because my mother was a distantcousin of his. "

Barbara laughed good-humoredly. "You seem to be a kind of connecting linkbetween three or four nations--Russia, America, China. What are your realduties at your legation?"

Barbara looked at her companion with a real question in her brown eyes--aquestion she truly desired to have answered. She was interested to knowwhat duties an attaché performed for his embassy. Peter, in spite of hisfrivolities, claimed to be a hard worker. 

"You have not seen the loveliest part of Mt. Vernon yet, Miss Thurston, "Peter Dillon interposed just at this instant. "I want to show you the oldgarden, and we must hurry before the gates are closed. Yes; I know I didnot answer your question. An attaché just makes himself generally usefulto his chief. But if you really want to know what my ambition is, and howI work to achieve it, why some day I will tell you. " Peter looked at Babso seriously that she answered quickly:

"Yes, I should dearly love to see the garden. "

Bab and Peter Dillon wandered together through the paths formed by thebox hedges planted in Martha Washington's garden more than a century ago. 

Neither seemed to feel like talking. The young man had seen the gardeneras they entered the enclosure, and had persuaded him to allow them to gothrough the lovely spot alone. 

Bab's vivid imagination brought to life the old colonial ladies who hadonce wandered in this famous garden. She saw their white wigs, theirpowder and patches and full skirts. So Bab forgot all about hercompanion. 

Suddenly she heard Peter give a slight exclamation. They had both come tothe end of the garden walk. There before them stood a great rose tree. Blooming in the unusually warm sunshine were two rose-buds, gently tippedwith frost. 

"Ah, Miss Thurston, how glad I am we found the garden first!" Petercried. "This is the famous Mary Washington rose, which Washingtonplanted here in his garden, and named in honor of his mother. Wait hereuntil I find the gardener. I am going to make him let us have these twotiny rose-buds. "

"How nice Peter Dillon really is, " Bab thought. "Ruth was mistaken inwarning me against him. Of course, he does not show on the surface whathe actually feels. But perhaps I shall find out he is a finer fellow thanwe think he is. Mr. Hamlin says Harriet is wrong in believing Peter isnever in earnest about anything. "

"It's all right, Miss Thurston, " called Peter, returning in a few minuteswith his eyes shining. "The gardener says we may have the roses. " Theyoung fellow dropped down on his knees before the rose bush without a bitof affectation or self-consciousness. He skilfully cut the two half fadedrose-buds from the stalk and handed one to Barbara. 

"Keep this, Miss Thurston, " he said earnestly. "And if ever you shouldwish me to do you a favor, just send the flower to me and I shall performwhatever task you set me to do to the best of my skill. " Peter looked athis own rose. "May I keep my rose-bud for the same purpose?" he beggedquietly. "Perhaps I shall send my flower to you some day and ask you todo me a service. Will you do it for me?"

"Yes, Mr. Dillon, I will do you any favor that I can, " Bab returnedsteadily. "But I don't make rash promises in the dark. And I have verylittle opportunity to do people favors. You make me think of thenewspaper girl, Marjorie Moore. She tried to force me into a promisewithout letting me know what she wanted, the first day I saw her. Doeseveryone try to get some one to do something for him in Washington?"

At the mention of Marjorie Moore's name the change in Peter Dillon's facewas so startling that Barbara was startled. Just now he did not look inthe least like an Irishman. His lips tightened into a fine, cruel line, his eyes grew almost black and had a queer, Chinese slant to them. Itsuddenly dawned on Barbara, that Russians have Asiatic blood in theirveins and are often more like Oriental people than they are like those ofthe western world. 

But Peter only said carelessly, after he had regained control of hisface: "Miss Moore doesn't like me; and frankly, I don't like her. Shetold you she did society work for her newspaper. She does a great dealmore. She is constantly watching at the legations to see if she can spyon any of their secret information. It is not good form to warn one girlagainst another. But if I were you, Miss Thurston, I would take with agrain of salt any information that Miss Moore might give you. "

Barbara answered quietly: "Oh, I don't suppose Miss Moore will tell meany of her secrets. She does not come to Mr. Hamlin's except on business. Harriet does not like her. "

"Good for Harriet!" Peter muttered to himself. "It may be Harriet, after all!"

"Barbara Thurston, you and Peter come along this minute, " Harriet orderedunexpectedly. "Don't you know we shall be locked up in Mt. Vernon if westay here much longer. Ruth's automobile is already filled and she iswaiting to start. You and Peter are to get into Mr. Meyers' car with me. We have another hour before sunset. We are going to motor along the riverand have our supper at an inn a few miles from here. "

As Peter Dillon ran ahead to join Harriet Hamlin, a small piece of paperfell out of his pocket. Barbara picked it up and slipped it inside hercoat, intending to hand it back to Mr. Dillon as soon as she had anopportunity. But there were other things that seemed of more importanceto absorb her attention for the rest of the evening. And Barbara was notto remember the paper until some time later. 

CHAPTER VI

THE ARREST

After eating supper, and spending the evening at an old-fashionedSouthern Inn on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, the twoautomobile parties started back to Washington. 

Barbara and Peter Dillon occupied seats in the car with Harriet and Mr. Meyers, Mrs. Wilson, and two Washington girls who had been members oftheir party. 

As Ruth did not know the roads it was decided that she keep to the rearand follow the car in front of her. 

It was a clear moonlight night, and, though the roads were not good, nomember of the party dreamed of trouble. 

Bab sat next to Charlie Meyers, and her host was in a decidedly sulkytemper. For Harriet had grown tired of his devotion, after several hoursof it during the afternoon, and was amusing herself with Peter. 

No sooner had the two cars sped away from the peaceful shadows of Mt. Vernon, than Peter began to play Prince Charming to Harriet. 

Charlie Meyers did not know what to do. He was a stupid fellow, whoexpected his money to carry him through everything. He would hardlylisten to Barbara's conversation or take the slightest interest inanything she tried to say. 

Every time Harriet's gay laugh rang out from the next seat Charlie Meyerswould drive his car faster than ever, until it fairly bounded over therough places in the road. 

Several times Mrs. Wilson remonstrated with him. "You are going too fast, Mr. Meyers. It is dark, and I am afraid we shall have an accident if youare not more careful. Please go slower. "

For an instant, Mr. Meyers would obey Mrs. Wilson's request to lessen thespeed of his car. Then he would dash ahead as though the very furies wereafter him. 

As for Ruth, she had to follow the automobile in front in order to findher way, so it was necessary for her to run her car at the same highspeed. Neither Ruth nor her companions knew the pitfalls along the road. Hugh did not keep his automobile in Washington, and, though he had ageneral idea of the direction they should take, he had never driven alongthe particular course selected by Mr. Meyers for their return trip. 

Ruth felt her face flush with temper as her car shook and plunged alongthe road. In order to keep within a reasonable distance of the heaviercar, she had to put on full power and forge blindly ahead. 

Once or twice Ruth called out: "Won't you go a little slower in front, please? I can't find my way along this road at such a swift pace. "

But Ruth's voice floated back on the winds and the leading car paid noheed to her. 

Then Elmer and Hugh took up the refrain, shouting with all their lungpower. They merely wasted their breath. Charlie Meyers either did nothear them or pretended not to do so. He never once turned his head, orasked if those back of him were making a safe journey. 

Barbara was furious. She fully realized Ruth's predicament, although shewas not in her chum's car. "Please don't get out of sight of Ruth's car, Mr. Meyers, " Bab urged her companion. But he paid not the slightestattention to her request. 

Bab looked anxiously back over the road. Now and then she could see Mr. A. Bubble's lamps; more often Ruth's car was out of sight. Patience wasnot Barbara's strong point. 

"Harriet, " she protested, "Won't you ask Mr. Meyers to slow down so thatRuth can follow him. He will not pay the least attention to me. "

"What is your hurry, Charlie!" asked Harriet, in a most provoking tone. She knew the young fellow was not a gentleman, and that he was showinghis anger against her by making them all uncomfortable. But Harriet wasin a wicked humor herself, and she would not try to appease their crosshost. She was having an extremely pleasant time with Peter Dillon, andreally did not realize Ruth's difficulties. 

The front car slowed imperceptibly, then hurried on again. 

At about half past ten o'clock, Mr. Meyers turned into one of the narrowold-fashioned streets of the town of Alexandria, which is just south-westof Washington. The town was only dimly lighted and the roads made windingturns, so that it was impossible to see any great distance ahead. 

Ruth had managed to keep her car going, though she had long since losther sweet temper, and the others of her party were very angry. 

"It serves us right, " Hugh Post declared to Ruth. "We ought never to haveaccepted this fellow's invitation. I knew he wasn't a gentleman, and Iknow Mr. Hamlin does not wish Harriet to have anything to do with him. Yet, just because the fellow is enormously rich and gives automobileparties, here we have been spending the evening as his guests. Look here, Ruth, do you think I can forget I have enjoyed his hospitality, andpunch his head for him when we get back to Washington, for leading you ona chase like this?"

Ruth smiled and shook her head. She was seldom nervous about herautomobile after all her experiences as chauffeur. Yet this wild ride atnight through towns of which she knew little or nothing, was not exactlyher idea of sport. 

Mr. Bubble was again outdistanced. As the streets were deserted, Ruthdecided to make one more violent spurt in an effort to catch up with thefront car. Poor Mr. A. Bubble who had traveled so far with his carload ofhappy girls was shaking from side to side. But Ruth did not think ofdanger. Alexandria is a sleepy old Southern town and nearly all itsinhabitants were in bed. 

"Aren't there any speed regulations in this part of the world, Hugh?"Ruth suddenly inquired. 

But she was too late. At this instant everyone in her car heard aloud shout. 

"Hold up there! Stop!" A figure on a bicycle darted out of a dark alleyin hot pursuit of them. 

"Go it, Ruth!" Hugh whispered. But Ruth shook her head. 

"No, " she answered. "We must face the music. " Ruth put on her stop brakeand her car slowed down. 

"What do you mean, " cried a wrathful voice, "tearing through a peacefultown like this, lickitty-split, as though there were no folks on earthbut you. You just come along to the station with me! You'll find out, pretty quick, what twenty-five miles an hour means in this here town. "

"Let me explain matters to you, " Hugh protested. "It is all a mistake. "

"I ain't never arrested anybody for speeding yet that they ain't told meit was just a mistake, " fumed the policeman. "But you will git a chanceto tell your story to the chief of police. You're just wasting good timetalkin' to me. I ain't got a mite of patience with crazy automobilists. "

"Don't take us all to the station house, officer!" Hugh pleaded. "Justtake me along, and let the rest of the party go on back to Washington. It's awfully late. You surely wouldn't keep these young ladies. "

"It's the lady that's a-runnin' the car, ain't it? She's the one that isunder arrest, " said the policeman obstinately. 

Ruth had not spoken since her automobile was stopped. 

She had a lump in her throat, caused partly by anger and partly byembarrassment and fright. Then, too, Ruth was wondering what her fatherwould say. In the years she had been running her automobile, over all thethousands of miles she had traveled, Ruth had never before been stoppedfor breaking the speed laws. She had always promised Mr. Stuart to becareful. And one cannot have followed the fortunes of Ruth Stuart and herfriends in their adventures without realizing Ruth's high and fine regardfor her word. Yet here were Ruth and her friends about to be taken tojail for breaking the laws of the little Virginia city. 

It was small wonder that Ruth found it difficult to speak. 

"I will go with the policeman, " she assented. "Perhaps he will let youtake Mollie and Grace on home. "

Of course no one paid the slightest attention to Ruth's ridiculoussuggestion. Her friends were not very likely to leave her alone to argueher case before the justice of the peace. 

"I say, man, do be reasonable, " Hugh urged. He would not give up. "Youcan hold me in jail all night if you will just let the others go. "

"Please don't argue with the policeman, Hugh, " Ruth begged. "He is onlydoing his duty. I am so sorry, Mollie darling, for you and Grace. But Iknow you won't leave me. "

"Oh, we don't mind, " the two girls protested. "I suppose we can pay thefine and they will let us go at once. "

Hugh said nothing, for he knew that he had only a few dollars inhis pocket. 

When Ruth's car finally reached the station house it was almosteleven o'clock. 

The policeman took the automobile party inside the station. It was bittercold in the room, for the winter chill had fallen with the close of theDecember day. The fire had died out in the air-tight iron stove in theroom, and Mollie, Ruth and Grace could hardly keep from shivering. 

"Well, where is the justice of the peace or whatever man we ought to seeabout this wretched business?" Hugh demanded. 

At last the policeman looked a little apologetic. "I'll get some one tomake up a fire for you, " he answered. "I have got to go out and wake upthe justice to look after your case. It's bed-time and he's home asleep. "

"Do you expect us to sit here in this freezing dirty old room half thenight while you go around looking up a magistrate?" Hugh demanded, wrathfully. 

"I told you I would have the fire built up, " the policeman answeredsullenly. "But it ain't my fault you got into this trouble. You oughtnot to have broken the law. We have had about as much trouble withautomobilists in this here town as we are willing to stand for. And Imight as well tell you, right now, the court will make it pretty hot foryou. It may be I can't get the justice to hear your case until to-morrow, and you'll have to stay here all night. "

"Stay here all night!" cried the five young people, as they sank downinto five hard wooden chairs in utter despair. 

"Harriet, have you seen Ruth's automobile?" Bab asked, as Charlie Meyers'car got safely out of Alexandria and started on the road towardWashington. 

Harriet and Peter both looked around and strained their eyes in thedarkness. But there was no sign of Ruth or her party. 

"Don't you think we had better go back a little, Charlie?" Harriet nowsuggested. "I am afraid you have gotten too far ahead of Ruth for her tofollow you. "

"What has Miss Stuart got Hugh Post and Elmer Wilson with her for, ifthey can't show her the way to town?" argued the impolite host of theautomobile parties. 

"I think Charlie is right, Harriet. I would not worry, " interposed Mrs. Wilson, in her soft tones. "Elmer may not have known the road during theearly part of our trip, but neither one of the boys is very apt to losehis way between Alexandria and Washington. " Mrs. Wilson laughed at thevery absurdity of the idea. 

Harriet said nothing more, and, although Bab was by no means satisfied, she felt compelled to hold her peace. 

"Will you leave me at my house, Charlie?" Mrs. Wilson demanded, as soonas their automobile reached Washington. "I know Harriet expects to make aWelsh rarebit for you at her home, but I am going to ask you to excuseme. I am a good deal older than you children, and I am tired. "

When Barbara reached the Hamlin house she hoped ardently to see thefamiliar lights of her old friend, A. Bubble waiting outside the door. But the street was bare of automobiles. 

There was nothing to do but to follow the other young people into thehouse and take off her hat and coat. But Bab had not the heart to joinHarriet in the dining-room where the preparations for making the rarebitwere now going on. She lingered forlornly in the hall. Every now and thenshe would peer anxiously out into the darkness. Still there was no signof Ruth or any member of her party! Barbara was wretched. She was nowconvinced that some accident had befallen them. 

"Come in, Barbara, " called Harriet cheerfully. "The Welsh rarebit isdone and it has to be eaten on the instant. I will make another forRuth's crowd when they get in. They are certainly awfully slow inarriving. "

"Harriet!" Barbara's white face appeared at the dining-room door. "Ihate to be a nuisance, but I am dreadfully worried about the othergirls. I know they would have gotten home by this time if nothing hadhappened to them. "

Poor Barbara had to make a dreadful effort to swallow her pride, forCharlie Meyers had been dreadfully rude to her all afternoon. "Mr. Meyers, " she pleaded, "won't you take me back in your car to look for myfriends? I simply can't bear the suspense any longer. " Barbara's eyeswere full of tears. 

"Oh, Bab, you are foolish to worry, " Harriet protested. "It would not beworth while for you and Mr. Meyers to go back now. You would only passRuth on the road. It is nearly midnight. "

"I know it is, " Bab agreed. "And that is why I am so frightened. Don'tyou think you could take me to look for them? Please do, Mr. Meyers. "

The ill-bred fellow shrugged his shoulders. "What do you take me for, Miss Thurston? I am not going to let my rarebit get cold. There isnothing the matter with your friends. They are likely to be along atany minute. "

Barbara did not know what to do. Mr. Hamlin had not yet come in. Yet shemust find out what had happened to Ruth, Mollie and Grace. Bab oncethought of starting out alone and on foot, back up the long country road, but she gave up the idea as sheer foolishness. 

At that moment the grandfather's clock in the hall chimed midnight. Almost two hours had passed since the two automobiles had enteredAlexandria, and the little town was only eight miles from Washington. 

Bab felt she was going to cry before Harriet's guests. She slipped herhand in her pocket to find her handkerchief. As she silently pressed herhandkerchief against her trembling lips she smelt a delicate perfume. Something fresh and cool and aromatic touched her face. It was the tinyrose-bud Peter Dillon had presented to her in the garden!

Now Bab had determined never to ask Peter to do her a favor. She feltthat, once she returned his pledge to him, he had the same right to aska favor of her. But what could Barbara do? Her beloved sister andfriends had certainly come to grief somewhere. And Bab was helpless tofind them alone. 

"Mr. Dillon, " Bab spoke under her breath, just showing her handkerchiefto him with the rose-bud crushed between its damp folds, "won't you helpme to find Ruth?" Bab only glanced at the flower with a shy smile. ButPeter saw it. 

He jumped to his feet, his face flushing. 

"Put the flower back, Miss Thurston, " he said quietly to Barbara. "You donot need to ask me to help you look for your friends as a favor to you. Iam ashamed of myself to have waited until you asked me. Harriet, I amgoing back to look for your guests. "

Harriet, who was also feeling uneasy without being willing to confess it, cheerfully agreed. 

"I am going to take your car, Meyers, " declared Peter Dillon withoutsaying so much as by your leave. 

Bab and Peter Dillon hurried out to the waiting automobile. Both stoppedonly to take coats and caps from the rack in the hall. 

If Peter Dillon wished to make a friend of Barbara Thurston, his promptresponse to her plea for help came nearer accomplishing it than anythingelse in the world. When Peter refused Bab's proffered rose-bud she thendetermined to do him any favor that she could whenever he might desire toask it of her. 

CHAPTER VII

MOLLIE'S TEMPTATION

The next morning the "Automobile Girls" were sitting in the library ofMr. Hamlin's home. Ruth, Mollie and Grace were there, for Peter and Babhad secured their release from the Alexandria jail. 

"But how do you think he ever accomplished it?" Mollie inquired. 

Harriet laughed and flushed. "Oh, Peter accomplished it in the same wayhe does everything else--by making friends with people, " she declared. "Girls, I hope you realize how ashamed I am of last night's proceedings. I never dreamed that anything had happened to you, or I should havecertainly forced Charlie Meyers to turn back. But I think I have learneda lesson. Charlie Meyers was horribly rude to you, Bab, and I told himwhat we thought of him after you left. I don't want to see him again. SoFather, at least, will be glad. Though how I am to get on in this worldwithout a husband with money, I don't know. " And Harriet sighed. 

"Still I would like to have my questions answered, " Mollie repeated. "Howdid Peter Dillon get us away from that wretched jail in such a shorttime when we thought we might have to stay there all night?"

"Why, he just found the justice of the peace, arranged about Ruth's fine, mentioned Mr. Hamlin's name and did a few more things, " Bab laughed. "So, at last, you were permitted to come home. "

"Poor Hugh and Elmer were so mortified at not having enough money withthem to pay the fine. It was just an accident. Yet it was truly myfault, " Ruth argued. "Father has always insisted that I take mypocket-book whenever I go out of the house. But, of course, I forgot ityesterday. "

"Will Uncle Robert be very angry with you, Ruth, for being arrested?"Harriet asked. "He need never find out anything about it. Your finewasn't so very large, and you always have money enough to pay foranything. "

Ruth laughed. "Oh, I always tell Father every thing! I don't thinkhe will be very angry with me, when he hears how we happened to getinto trouble. "

"Do you really tell your father everything?" Harriet asked, in asurprised tone. 

"Why, yes; why not?" Ruth questioned. 

Harriet shook her head. "Well, I do not tell my father all my affairs. Oh, dear me, no!"

"I suppose I shall have to go back to Alexandria to-day, and appear atcourt, " Ruth lamented. "I just dread it. "

"Oh, no you won't, " Bab explained. "Mr. Dillon said he would talk mattersover with Mr. Hamlin, and that he had some influential friends overthere. You will have to pay your fine, Ruth, but you probably will nothave to appear at the trial. They will settle it privately. "

"Girls, " exclaimed Harriet, "I forgot to tell you something. There is abig reception at the White House to-morrow evening, and Father says hewishes to take the 'Automobile Girls' to present them to the President. "

"How exciting!" exclaimed Grace Carter. "To think that the 'AutomobileGirls' are going to meet the President, and yet you speak of it ascalmly, Harriet Hamlin, as though it were an everyday affair. "

"Oh, nonsense, Grace, " Harriet begged. "It will be fun to go to theWhite House with you. You girls are so interested in everything. But aWhite House reception is an old story to me, and I am afraid there willbe a frightful crowd. But which one of you will go shopping with methis morning?"

"I will, " cried Mollie. "I'd dearly love to see the shops. We don't haveany big stores in Kingsbridge. "

"Is there anything I can get for you, girls?" Harriet asked. 

Ruth called her cousin over in the corner. "Will you please order flowersfor us to-morrow night!" Ruth requested. "Father told me to be sure toget flowers whenever we wanted them. "

"Lucky Ruth!" sighed Harriet. "I wish I had such a rich and generousfather as you have!"

"What can we wear to the President's reception to-morrow, Bab?" Molliewhispered in her sister's ear, while Harriet and Ruth were having theirconference. 

Bab thought for a moment. "You can wear the corn-colored frock you woreto dinner with the Princess Sophia at Palm Beach. It is awfully pretty, and you have never worn it since. "

"That old thing!" cried Mollie, pouting. 

"Suppose you get some pale yellow ribbons, Mollie, and I will make you anew sash and a bow for your hair, " Bab suggested. 

Pretty Mollie frowned. "All right, " she agreed. 

Harriet and Mollie did not go at once to the shops. They drove first toHarriet's dressmaker, the most fashionable in Washington. 

"I must try on a little frock, " Harriet explained. "We can do ourshopping afterwards. I want you to see a beautiful coat I am having made, from a Chinese crepe shawl the Chinese Minister's wife gave me. "

Madame Louise, the head of the dressmaking establishment, came in toattend to Harriet. The new coat was in a wonderful shade of apricot, lined with satin and embroidered in nearly every color of silk. 

"Oh, Harriet, how lovely!" Mollie exclaimed. 

"Yes, isn't it?" Harriet agreed. "But I really ought not to have had thiscoat made up. It has cost almost as much as though I had bought itoutright. And I don't need it. I hope you have not made my dress veryexpensive, Madame. I told you to get me up a simple frock. "

"Ah, but Miss Hamlin, the simple frocks cost as much as the fancy ones, "argued the dressmaker. "This little gown is made of the best satin andlace. But how charming is the effect. "

Mollie echoed the dressmaker's verdict as she gazed at Harriet withadmiring eyes. Harriet's gown was white satin. Her black hair and greatdusky eyes looked darker from the contrast and her skin even morestartlingly fair. 

Harriet could not help a little smile of vanity as she saw herself in thelong mirror in the fitting room. 

"Be sure to send these things home by to-morrow, Madame Louise, " shedemanded. "Father and I are going to take our guests to one of thePresident's receptions and I want to wear this gown. "

Mollie gave a little impatient sigh. 

"What is the matter, Mollie?" inquired Harriet, seeing that her littlefriend looked tired and unhappy. "I am awfully sorry to have kept youwaiting like this. It is a bore to watch other people try on theirclothes. I will come with you directly. "

"Oh, I am not tired watching you, Harriet, " pretty Mollie answeredtruthfully. "I was only wishing I had such a beautiful frock to wear tothe reception to-morrow. "

Madame Louise clapped her hands. "Wait a minute, young ladies. I havesomething to show you. You must wait, for it is most beautiful. " Thedressmaker turned and whispered to one of her girl assistants. The girlwent out and came back in a few minutes with another frock over her arm. 

Mollie gave a deep sigh of admiration. 

"How exquisite!" Harriet exclaimed. "Whose dress is that, Madame? Itlooks like clouds or sea foam, or anything else that is delicatelybeautiful. "

Madame shook out a delicate pale blue silk, covered with an even lightertint of blue chiffon, which shaded gently into white. 

"This dress was an order, Miss Hamlin, " Madame Louise explained. "I sentto Paris for it. Of course it was some time before it arrived inWashington. In the meanwhile a death occurred in the family of the youngwoman who had ordered the dress. She is now in mourning, and she left thedress with me to sell for her. She is willing to let it go at a greatbargain. The little frock would just about fit your young friend. Wouldshe not be beautiful in it, with her pale yellow hair and her blue eyes?Ah, the frock looks as though it had been created for her! Do you thinkshe would allow me to try it on her?"

"Do slip the frock on, Mollie, " Harriet urged. "It will not take muchtime. And I would dearly love to see you in such a gown. It is thesweetest thing I ever saw. "

Mollie shook her head. "It is not worth while for me to put it on, Harriet. Madame must understand that I cannot possibly buy it. "

"But the frock is such a bargain, Mademoiselle, " the dressmakercontinued. "I will sell it to you for a mere song. "

"But I haven't the song to pay for it, Madame, " Mollie laughed. "Come on, Harriet. We must be going. "

"Of course you can't buy the dress, Mollie, " Harriet interposed. "ButMadame will not mind your just slipping into it. Try it on, just for mysake. I know you will look like a perfect dream. "

Mollie could not refuse Harriet's request. 

"Shut your eyes, Mollie, while Madame dresses you up, " Harriet proposed. 

Mollie shut her eyes tightly. 

Madame Louise slipped on the gown. "It fits to perfection, " she whisperedto Harriet. Then the dressmaker, who was really an artist in her line, picked up Mollie's bunch of soft yellow curls and knotted them carelesslyon top of Mollie's dainty head. She twisted a piece of the pale blueshaded chiffon into a bandeau around her gold hair. 

"Now, look at yourself, Mademoiselle, " she cried in triumph. 

"Mollie, Mollie, you are the prettiest thing in the world!" Harrietexclaimed. 

Mollie gave a little gasp of astonishment when she beheld herself in themirror. Certainly she looked like Cinderella after the latter had beentouched with the fairy wand. She stood regarding herself with wide openeyes of astonishment, and cheeks in which the rose flush deepened. 

"The dress must belong to Mademoiselle! I could not have made such a fitif I had tried, " repeated the dressmaker. 

"How much is the dress worth, Madame?" Harriet queried. 

"Worth? It is worth one hundred and fifty dollars! But I will give thelittle frock away for fifty, " the dressmaker answered. 

"Can't you possibly buy it, child?" Harriet pleaded with Mollie. "It is aperfectly wonderful bargain, and you are too lovely in it. I just can'tbear to have you refuse it. "

"I am sorry, Harriet, " Mollie returned firmly. "But I have not the money. Won't you please take the gown off me, Madame!"

"Your friend can take the frock from me now and pay me later. It does notmatter, " said the dressmaker. "She can write home for the money. "

For one foolish moment Mollie did dream that she might write to hermother for the price of this darling blue frock. Mollie was sure she hadnever desired anything so keenly in her life. But in a moment Mollie cameto her senses. Where would her mother get such a large sum of money tosend her? It had been hard work for Mrs. Thurston to allow Barbara andMollie the slight expenses of their trip to Washington. No; the prettygown was impossible!

"Do unbutton the gown for me, please, Harriet, " Mollie entreated. "Ireally can't buy it. " Mollie felt deeply embarrassed, and was sorry shehad allowed herself to be persuaded into trying on the gown. 

"Mollie!" exclaimed Harriet suddenly. "Don't you have a monthlyallowance?"

Mollie nodded her head. Silly Mollie hoped Harriet would not ask her justwhat her allowance was. For Mrs. Thurston could give her daughters onlyfive dollars a month apiece for their pin money. 

"Then I know just what to do, " Harriet declared. "You must just buy thisfrock, Mollie dear. I expect to have a dividend from some stock I own, and when it comes in, I shall pay Madame for the dress, and you can payme back as it suits you. Do please consent, Mollie. Just look at yourselfin the glass once more and I know you can't resist my plan. "

Mollie did take one more peep at herself in the mirror. But if she hadonly had more time to think, and Harriet and the dressmaker had notargued the point with her, she would never have fallen before hertemptation. 

"You are sure you won't mind how long I take to pay you back, Harriet?"Mollie inquired weakly. 

"Sure!" Harriet answered. 

"All right then; I will take it, " Mollie agreed in a sudden rush ofrecklessness, feeling dreadfully excited. For little Mollie Thurston hadnever owned a gown in her life that had cost more than fifteen dollars, except the two or three frocks which had been given to her on differentoccasions. 

"Madame, you will send Miss Thurston's gown with mine, so she can wear itto the White House reception, " Harriet insisted. 

"Certainly; I shall send the frocks this evening, " the dressmaker agreed, suavely. "But are you sure you will be in? I want you to be at home whenthe frocks arrive. "

Several other customers had entered Madame Louise's establishment. 

Harriet Hamlin flushed at the dressmaker's question. But she repliedcarelessly: "Oh, yes; I shall be in all the afternoon. You can send themat any time you like. "

Before Mollie and Harriet had gotten out into the street, Mollie clutchedHarriet's arm in swift remorse. "Oh, Harriet, dear, I have done aperfectly awful thing! I must go back and tell Madame that I cannot takethat gown. I don't see how I could have said I would take it. Why, itwill take me ages to pay you so much money!" Mollie's eyes were big andfrightened. Her lips were trembling. 

"Sh-sh! You silly child!" Harriet protested. "Here comes Mrs. Wilson. Youcan't go to tell Madame Louise you have changed your mind before so manypeople. And what is the use of worrying over such a small debt? The dresswas a wonderful bargain. You would be a goose not to buy it. "

Now, because Harriet was older than Mollie, and Mollie thought her verybeautiful and well trained in all the graces of society, foolish littleMollie allowed herself to be silenced, and so made endless trouble forherself and for the people who loved her. 

"Don't tell Barbara about my buying the frock, Harriet, " Molliepleaded, as the two girls went up the steps of the Hamlin home, a shorttime before luncheon. "I would rather tell Bab about it myself, when Iget a chance. "

"Oh, I won't tell. You may count on me, " promised Harriet, in sympathetictones. "Will Bab be very cross!"

"Oh, not exactly that, " Mollie hesitated. "But I am afraid she will beworried. I am glad we are at home. I want to lie down, I feel so tired. "

Not long after Harriet and Mollie had started off on their shoppingexpedition, Bab came across from her room into Ruth's. 

"Ruth, do you think I could telephone Mr. Dillon?" she asked. "I pickedup a piece of paper that he dropped in the garden yesterday, and Iforgot to return it to him. "

"Give it to me, child. I told you yesterday that I did not wish you togrow to be an intimate friend of that man. But I am writing him a note tothank him for his kindness to us last night. I can just put your paper inmy letter and explain matters to him. "

Bab carelessly tossed the sheet of paper on Ruth's desk. It opened, andRuth cried out in astonishment. "Oh, Bab, how queer! This note is writtenin Chinese characters. What do you suppose Peter Dillon is doing with aletter written in Chinese?"

"I don't know I am sure, Ruth, " Bab demurred. "It is none of ourbusiness. "

"Did you get the yellow ribbon, Mollie?" Barbara asked her sister, twohours later, when Mollie and Harriet came in from their shopping. "I havebeen fixing up your dress all morning. It is awfully pretty. Now I wantto make the sash. "

"I did not get any ribbons, Bab. " Mollie answered peevishly. "I told youI would not wear that old yellow dress. "

CHAPTER VIII

AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Mollie Thurston was not well the next day. She stayed in bed andexplained that her head ached. And Harriet Hamlin behaved very strangely. She was shut up in the room with Mollie for a long time; when she cameout Mollie's eyes were red, and Harriet looked white as a sheet. Butneither of the girls would say what was the matter. 

Just before the hour for starting to the White House reception, Molliegot out of bed and insisted on dressing. 

"I am afraid you are not well enough to go out to-night, Mollie, " Babprotested. "I hope you won't be too disappointed. Shall I stay at homewith you?"

Mollie shook her head obstinately. "I am quite well now, " she insisted. "Bab, would you mind leaving me alone while I dress? I do feel nervous, and I know Ruth and Grace won't care if you go into their room. "

"All right, Mollie, " Barbara agreed cheerfully, wondering what hadcome over her little sister. "Call me when you wish me to button yourgown. I have put the yellow one out on the lounge, if you shoulddecide to wear it. "

When Mollie was left alone two large tears rolled down her cheeks. Onceshe started to crawl back into bed and to give up the receptionaltogether. But, after a while, she walked over to her closet and drewout a great box. With trembling fingers Mollie opened it and gazed inupon the exquisite blue frock that had already caused her so muchembarrassment and regret. 

Should she wear the frock that night? Mollie Thurston asked herself. Andwhat would Bab say when she saw it? For Mollie had not yet mustered upthe courage to make her confession. Well, come what might, Mollie decidedto wear her new frock this one time. She had risked everything to own it, so she might as well have this poor pleasure. 

When Mollie joined Mr. Hamlin and the other girls downstairs a long partycape completely concealed her gown. 

Mr. Hamlin did not keep a private carriage; so, as long as Ruth'sautomobile was in Washington, he decided to take his party to the WhiteHouse in Ruth's car. 

The girls were ready early, for Mr. Hamlin explained to them that theywould have to take their position in the line of carriages that slowlyapproached the White House door, and that sometimes this procession wasnearly a mile in length. 

"I suppose you girls won't mind the waiting as much as we older peopledo, because you always have so much to say to each other. And perhapsthis is my best chance to learn to know you better. I have been so busythat I have seen little of you during your visit to Harriet. "

But Mollie and Harriet were strangely silent, and Bab felt absolutelytongue-tied before Mr. Hamlin. Fortunately, Grace and Ruth sat on eachside of him. 

"Mr. Hamlin, " Grace asked timidly, "would you mind telling me what arethe duties of the Secretary of State? Washington is like a new, strangeworld to us. I have learned the titles of the different members of thePresident's Cabinet, but I have not the faintest idea what they do. Mollie and I looked over the cards of the guests who came to yourreception. Some of the cards just read: 'The Speaker, ' 'The Chief ofStaff, ' 'L'Ambassadeur de France, ' without any personal names at all. "

Mr. Hamlin seemed pleased. The stern, half-embarrassed expression, thathe usually wore before the girls relaxed a little at Grace's eagerquestioning. 

"I am glad, Miss Carter, to find you take an interest in Washingtonaffairs, " he answered. "It is most unusual in a young girl. I wishHarriet cared more about them, but she seems devoted only to society. "Mr. Hamlin sighed under his breath. "Yes; it is the custom for theofficials in Washington to put only the titles of their office on theirvisiting cards. You are sure you wish to know the duties of the Secretaryof State? I don't want to bore you, my child. "

Grace nodded her head eagerly. 

"Well, let me see if I can make it plain to you. The Secretary of Statehas charge of all the correspondence between the foreign countries andtheir representatives in the United States, " Mr. Hamlin continued. "Doyou understand?"

"I think I do, " Grace answered hesitatingly, while Bab leaned over fromthe next seat to see if she could understand what Mr. Hamlin wasexplaining. 

"The Secretary of State also receives all kinds of information from theconsuls and diplomatic officers, who represent the United States abroad, "Mr. Hamlin went on. "Sometimes this information is very important andvery secret. It might bring on serious trouble, perhaps start a war withanother country, if some of these secrets were discovered. The Secretaryof State has other duties; he keeps the Great Seal of the United States. But my chief business as Assistant Secretary is just to look after theimportant private correspondence with all the other countries. "

"Father, " exclaimed Harriet, "why are you boring the girls to deathwith so much information? They don't understand what you mean. I havebeen living in Washington for four years, and I have not half an ideaof what your duties are. But thank goodness, we have arrived at theWhite House at last!"

Their motor car had finally drawn up before the entrance to the ExecutiveMansion at the extremity of the eastern wing. The house was a blaze oflights; the Marine Band was playing a national air. 

Harriet, who was familiar with all the rules that govern the President'sreceptions, quickly marshaled her guests into the lobby, where they hadto take off their coats and hats. 

Bab was so overcome at the enormous number of people about her, that shedid not see Mollie remove her cape. 

Mollie slipped quietly into a corner, and was waiting by Harriet's side, when Harriet called the other girls to hurry up the broad stairs to thevestibule above, where the guests were forming in line to enter thereception room. 

Barbara, Ruth and Grace gave little gasps of astonishment when theyfirst beheld Mollie. If little Mollie Thurston's heart was heavy withinher on this brilliant occasion, she held her pretty head very high. Theworry and excitement had given her a slight fever; her cheeks were a deepcarmine and her eyes glittered brightly. 

"Why, Mollie! What a vision you are!" exclaimed Ruth and Grace together. "Where did you get that wonderful gown? You have been saving it tosurprise us to-night, haven't you?"

But Bab did not say a single word. She only looked at Mollie, her facepaling a little with surprise and curiosity. How had Mollie come by agown that was more beautiful than anything Bab had ever seen her sisterwear? Barbara knew Mollie had not had the gown when they left hometogether, for she had packed her sister's trunk for her. But this was notthe time to ask questions. Bab's mind was divided between the wonder anddelight she felt at the scene before her, and amazement at Mollie'ssecret. "I do hope, " she thought, as she followed Mr. Hamlin up thesteps, "that Mollie has not borrowed that gown of Harriet. But no; itfits her much too well. Some one must have given it to her as a presentand she has kept the secret until to-night to surprise me. "

The "Automobile Girls" stood behind Mr. Hamlin and Harriet in the greatvestibule just outside the famous Blue Room of the White House, wherethe President and his wife were waiting to receive their guests. Theline was moving forward so slowly that the girls had a chance to lookabout them. Never had any one of them beheld such a beautiful spectacle. Of course the "Automobile Girls" had been present at a number ofreceptions during their brief social careers, but for the first timeto-night they saw men in other than ordinary evening dress. Thediplomats from other countries wore their superb court costumes with theinsignia of their rank. The American Army and Navy officers had on theirbright full dress uniforms. 

Bab thought the Russian Ambassador the most superb looking man she hadever seen, and Mollie blushed when Lieutenant Elmer Wilson bowedgallantly to her across the length of the hall. 

When the girls first took up their positions in the line, they believedthey would never grow weary of looking about them. But by and by, as theywaited and the number of people ahead of them only slowly decreased, theygrew tired. 

A girl passed by Barbara and smiled. It was Marjorie Moore. She wasnot going to try to shake hands with the President. She had a notebook and a pencil in her hand and was evidently bent on business. Barbara also caught a glimpse of Peter Dillon, but he did not come upto speak to them. 

Mr. Hamlin's charges at last entered the Blue Room. The President and hisreceiving party stood by a pair of great windows hung with heavy silkportieres. 

It was now almost time for the "Automobile Girls" to shake hands with thePresident. They were overcome with nervousness. 

Harriet was next to her father; Bab stood just behind Harriet, followedby Ruth, Grace and Mollie. 

"You are just supposed to shake hands with the President, not to talk tohim, " Harriet whispered. "Then the President's wife is next and you maygreet the other women in the receiving line as you pass along. TheVice-President's wife stands next to the President's wife and the ladiesof the Cabinet just after her. "

Bab watched Harriet very carefully. She was determined to make nofalse moves. 

Finally, Barbara heard her name announced by the Master of Ceremonies. She felt her heart stop beating for a moment, and the color mount to hercheeks. The next moment her hand was clasped in that of the President ofthe United States. 

Barbara said a little prayer of thankfulness when she had finishedspeaking to all the receiving ladies. She felt glad, indeed, when Mr. Hamlin drew her behind a thick blue silk cord, where the President'sspecial guests were talking in groups together. Bab then watched Ruth, Grace and Mollie go through the same formality. 

Now nobody had ever warned Mollie that it was not good form to speak tothe President before he spoke to her. She thought it was polite to makesome kind of a remark when she was introduced to him. So all the way upthe line she had been wondering what she ought to say. 

As the President took Mollie's little hand he bent over slightly. For avery small voice said, "I like Washington very much, Mr. President. "

The President smiled. "I am glad you do, " he answered. 

A little later, Mr. Hamlin took the girls through all the stateapartments of the White House. One of these rooms was less crowded thanthe others. Groups of Mr. Hamlin's friends were standing about laughingand talking together. Barbara was next Mr. Hamlin when she happened toglance toward a far corner of the room. There she saw her newspaperfriend. The girl made a mysterious sign to Barbara to come over to herand to come alone. But Bab shook her head. 

Still she felt the girl's eyes on her. Each time she turned, MarjorieMoore again made her strange signal. Once she pointed significantlytoward a group of people. But Bab only saw the broad back of the littleChinese Minister and the stately form of the Russian Ambassador. Thetwo men were talking to a number of Washington officials whose namesBarbara did not even know. Of course, Marjorie Moore's peculiar actionscould not refer to them. But to save her life Bab could not find anyone else nearby. 

Womanlike, Barbara's curiosity was aroused. What could the girl want withher? Evidently, her news was a secret, for Miss Moore did not come nearMr. Hamlin's party and Bab simply could not get away without offeringsome explanation to them. 

Barbara was growing tired of the reception. She had been introduced to somany people that her brain was fairly spinning in an effort to remembertheir names. Again Bab looked across at Miss Moore. This time thenewspaper girl pointed with her pencil through a small open door, nearwhich she was standing. Her actions said as plainly as any words couldspeak: "Follow me when you have a chance. There is something I must tellyou!" The next instant Marjorie Moore vanished through this door and waslost to sight. 

A few minutes later Bab managed to slip over to that side of the room. She intended merely to peep out the open door to see whether Miss Moorewere waiting for her in the hall. Bab carefully watched her opportunity. Mr. Hamlin and the girls were not looking. Now was her chance. She wasjust at the door, when some one intercepted her. 

"Ah! Good evening, Miss Thurston, " said a suave voice. 

Barbara turned, blushing again to confront the Chinese Minister lookingmore magnificent than ever in his Imperial robes of state. 

The young girl paused and greeted the official. Still the ChineseMinister regarded her gravely with his inscrutable Oriental eyes thatseemed to look her through and through. He seemed always about to ask hersome question. 

Of course, Barbara was obliged to give up her effort to follow MarjorieMoore, though she was still devoured with curiosity to know what the girlhad wished to say to her. The next ten minutes, wherever Bab went, shefelt the Chinese Minister's gaze follow her. 

It was not until Barbara Thurston discovered that the Oriental gentlemanhad himself withdrawn from the reception room that she mustered up asufficient courage to try her venture the second time. 

"Miss Moore, of course, is not expecting me now, " Barbara thought. "Butas I have a chance, I will see what has become of her. "

Bab peeped cautiously out through the still open door. She saw only anempty corridor with a servant standing idly in the hall. Should she goforward? No; Barbara did not, of course, dare to wander through the WhiteHouse halls alone. She was too likely to find herself in some place towhich visitors were not admitted. 

The servant who waited in the hall saw Barbara hesitate, then turn back. He leaned over and whispered mysteriously: "You are to come to the doorat the west side, which opens on the lawn. The young woman left a messagethat she would wait for you there. "

"But I don't know the west side, " Bab faltered hesitatingly, feeling thatshe ought to turn back, yet anxious to go on. 

"The young woman said it was most important for her to see you; I canshow you the way to the west door, " the man went on. 

Barbara now quickly made up her mind. Marjorie Moore was only a girl likeherself. If she needed her or if she wanted to confide in her, Bab meantto answer the summons. 

Bab found the portico deserted. There was no one in sight. 

Down on the lawn, some distance ahead, she thought she saw a figuremoving. Barbara drew her chiffon scarf more closely over her shouldersand ran quickly out into the garden without thinking. It was, of course, Marjorie Moore ahead of her. But Bab had not gone far, when the figuredisappeared, and she realized her own foolishness. She must get back intothe White House in a hurry before any one found out what she had done. 

It was exceedingly dark out on the lawn in contrast with the brilliantillumination of the house, and Barbara was running swiftly. She had begunto wonder what explanation she could make if Harriet or Mr. Hamlin askedwhere she had been. As usual, Barbara was repenting a rash impulse toolate. She ran obliquely across the yard in order to return in a greaterhurry. Between a clump of bushes set at some distance apart her feetstruck against something soft and heavy and Bab pitched forward acrossthe object. 

CHAPTER IX

BAB'S DISCOVERY

Then Barbara Thurston's heart turned sick with horror. She recognized, inthe same instant, that she had fallen over a human body. In getting backon her own feet, Bab was obliged to touch the figure over which she hadfallen. She shuddered with fright. It could not be possible that any onehad been murdered in the grounds of the White House, while a great ballwas being given on the inside. Had Marjorie Moore expected foul play andcalled on Bab to help her guard some one from harm?

Barbara did not know what to do--to go on with her search for thenewspaper girl, or go back to the White House and raise an alarm. 

Bab was standing up, but she dared not look at the figure at her feet. She was now more accustomed to the darkness and she did not know what oneglance might reveal. 

"What a coward I am!" Bab thought. Trembling, she put out her hand andtouched the body. It was warm, but the figure had fallen forward on itsface. As Bab's hand slipped along over the object that lay so still onthe hard ground, an even greater horror seized her. Her hand had come incontact with a skirt. The figure was that of a woman!

Barbara dropped on her knees beside the figure. She gently turnedthe body over until it was face upward. One long stare at the facewas enough. The woman who lay there was the young newspaper girl whohad summoned Bab to follow her but a short time before. She stillhad on her shabby evening dress. The pad and pencil with which shetook down her society items lay at her side. But Marjorie Moore'sface was pale as death. 

Bab's tears dropped down on the girl's face. "My dear Miss Moore, whathas happened? Can't you hear me?" Bab faltered. "It is Barbara Thurston!I tried to come to help you, but I could not get here until now. "

The figure lay apparently lifeless, but Bab knew now that the girl wasstill alive. Bab did not like to leave her, for what dreadful personmight not stumble over the poor, unconscious girl? Yet how else couldBab get help?

At this moment Bab looked up and saw a number of lighted cigars in thegarden near the White House. Evidently a group of men had come out on thelawn to smoke. As Bab ran forward she saw one of the men move away fromthe others. He was whistling softly, "Kathleen Mavourneen, the brightstars are shining. "

"Oh, Mr. Dillon!" cried Bab. "Poor Miss Moore has been dreadfully hurtand is lying unconscious out here on the grass. Won't you please find Mr. Hamlin, or some one, to come to her aid?"

"Miss Moore!" exclaimed Peter Dillon in a shocked tone. "I wonder whomthe girl could have been spying upon to have gotten herself into suchtrouble? But, Miss Thurston, you ought not to be out here. Come back withme to the reception rooms. I will get some one to look after Miss Mooreat once. It is best to keep this affair as quiet as possible. "

"I can't leave the poor girl alone, " Bab demurred. "So please find Mr. Hamlin as soon as you can. I will ask two of these other men to take MissMoore up on a side porch, out of the way of the guests. "

The rest of the group of men now came forward; their uniforms showedthey were young Army and Navy officers. One of them was LieutenantElmer Wilson. 

"What a dreadful thing!" he exclaimed, as he and another officer, underBab's directions, picked up Marjorie Moore's limp form and carried itinto the light. "Some one has struck Miss Moore over the temple with astick. She has a nasty bruise just there. But she is only stunned. Shewill come to herself presently. "

Mr. Hamlin now hurried out with Peter Dillon, followed by Ruth andHarriet. 

"Find our automobile; have it brought as near as possible. We must putthe poor girl into it, " Mr. Hamlin declared authoritatively. "Mr. Dillonis right. This affair must be kept an entire secret. It is incredible!Above all things, the newspapers must not get hold of it. It would be anine days' wonder! Mr. Dillon, will you go to Miss Moore's paper? Say youfeel sure the President himself would not wish this story to bepublished. Then you can find out where Miss Moore's mother lives, and seethat she is told. The girl is not seriously injured, but she must be seenby a physician. "

"But you are not going to take Marjorie Moore to our house, Father, "Harriet protested. "She is so--" Harriet checked herself just in time. She realized it would not be well to express her feeling toward theinjured girl before so large a group of listeners. 

"I most certainly do intend to take Miss Moore to our house, " interruptedMr. Hamlin sternly. "Her father was an old friend of mine whom changes inpolitics made poor just before his death. His daughter is a brave girl. Ihave a great respect for her. "

In the excitement of helping their wounded visitor to bed, Barbaraforgot all about Mollie's wonderful gown, and the questions she intendedasking her. Bab and Ruth undressed Marjorie Moore, and stayed with heruntil the doctor and a nurse arrived. Then Bab went quickly to her ownroom and undressed by a dim light, so as not to disturb her sister. Mollie's face was turned toward the wall and she seemed to be fastasleep. There was no sign of the blue gown about to reawaken Bab'scuriosity. Barbara was too weary from the many impressions of the eveningand the fright that succeeded them, and hurriedly undressing she creptquietly to bed and was soon fast asleep. 

CHAPTER X

THE CONFESSION

It was almost dawn when Barbara began to dream that she heard low, suppressed sobs. No; she must be wrong, she was not dreaming. The soundswere too real. The sobs were close beside her, and Bab felt Mollie'sshoulders heaving in an effort to hold them back. 

"Why, little sister, " cried Bab in a frightened tone, putting outher hand and taking hold of Mollie, "what is the matter with you!Are you ill?"

"No, " sobbed Mollie. "There is nothing the matter. Please go to sleepagain, Bab, dear. I did not mean to wake you up. "

"You would not cry, Mollie, if there was nothing the matter. Tell me atonce what troubles you, " pleaded Barbara, who was now wide awake. "If youare not ill, then something pretty serious is worrying you and you musttell me what it is. "

Mollie only buried her head in her pillow and sobbed harder than ever. 

"Tell me, " Bab commanded. 

"It's the blue gown!" whispered Mollie under her breath. 

"The gown?" queried Barbara, suddenly recalling Mollie's wonderfulcostume at the President's reception. "Oh, yes. I have not had anopportunity to ask you where you got such a beautiful frock and how youhappened not to tell me about it. "

"I was ashamed, " Mollie sobbed. 

Barbara did not understand what Mollie meant, but she knew her sisterwould tell her everything now. 

"I bought the frock, " Mollie confessed after a moment's hesitation. "That is I did not exactly buy it, for I did not have the money to payfor it. But Harriet was to pay for it and I was to give her back themoney when I could. "

"How much did the gown cost, Mollie?" Bab inquired quietly, although herheart felt as heavy as lead. 

"It cost fifty dollars!" Mollie returned in a tired, frightened voice. 

"Oh, Mollie!" Bab exclaimed just at first. Then she repented. "Nevermind, Molliekins; it can't be helped now. The dress is a beauty, and Isuppose Harriet won't mind how long we take to pay her back. We must justsave up and do some kind of work when we go home. I can coach some of thegirls at school. So please don't cry your pretty eyes out. There is anold story about not crying over spilt milk, kitten. Go to sleep. Perhapssome one will have left us a fortune by morning. "

Barbara felt more wretched about her sister's confession than she waswilling to let Mollie know. She thought if Mollie could once get tosleep, she could then puzzle out some method by which they could meetthis debt. For fifty dollars did look like an immense sum to the two poorThurston girls. 

"But, Bab dear, I have not told you the worst, " Mollie added in tonesof despair. 

"Mollie, what do you mean?" poor Bab asked, really frightened this time. 

"Harriet can't let me owe the money to her. Something perfectly awfulhas happened to Harriet, too. Promise me you will never tell, not evenRuth! Well, Harriet thought she could lend me the money. But, the dayafter we got home from the dressmaker's, that deceitful Madame Louisewrote poor Harriet the most awful note. She said that Harriet owed hersuch a dreadfully big bill, that she simply would not wait for her moneyany longer. She declared if Harriet did not pay her at once she wouldtake her bill straight to Mr. Hamlin and demand the money. Now Harriet isalmost frightened to death. She says her father will never forgive her, if he finds out how deeply in debt she is, and that he would not let hergo out into society again this winter. Of course, Harriet went to seeMadame Louise. She begged her for a little more time, and the dressmakerconsented to let us have a week. But she says that at the end of thattime she must have the money from me and from Harriet. Harriet isdreadfully distressed. She simply can't advance the money to me for, evenif the dividend she expects comes in time, she will have to pay the moneyon her own account. Oh, Bab, what can we do? I just can't have Mr. Hamlinfind out what I have done! He is so stern; he would just send me home indisgrace, and then what would Mother and Aunt Sallie and Mr. Stuart say?I shall just die of shame!"

"Mr. Hamlin must not know, " Barbara answered, when she could find herbreath. Somehow her own voice sounded unfamiliar, it was so hoarse andstrained. Yet Bab knew she must save Mollie. How was she to do it?

"Do you think, Bab, " Mollie asked, "that we could ask Ruth to lend us themoney? I should be horribly ashamed to tell her what I have done. ButRuth is so sweet, and she could lend us the money without any trouble. "

"I have thought of that, Mollie, " Barbara answered. "But, oh, we couldnot ask Ruth for the money! It is because she has been so awfully good tous, that I can't ask her. She has already done so much for us and shewould be so pleased to help us now that somehow I would rather do mostanything than ask her. Don't you feel the same way, Mollie?"

"Yes, I do, " Mollie agreed. "Only I just can't think what else we can do, Bab. I have worried and worried until I am nearly desperate. We have onlyone week in which to get hold of the money, Bab. "

"Yes, I know. But go to sleep now, Mollie. You are too tired to try tothink any more. I will find some way out of the difficulty. Don't worryany more about it now. " Bab kissed her sister's burning cheeks, whereatMollie could only throw her arms about Barbara and cry: "Oh, Bab, I am sosorry and so ashamed! I shall never forget this as long as I live. "

Bab never closed her eyes again that night. A little while later she sawthe gray dawn change into rose color, and the rose to the blue of theday-time sky. She heard several families of sparrows discussing theiraffairs while they made their morning toilets on the bare branches ofthe trees. 

At last an idea came to Barbara. She could pawn her jewelry and so raisethe money they needed. She had the old-fashioned corals her mother hadgiven to her on her first trip to Newport. There was also the beautifulruby, which had been Mr. Presby's gift to her from the rich stores of hisburied treasure. And the Princess Sophia had made Bab a present of abeautiful gold star when they were at Palm Beach. Barbara's other jewelrywas marked with her initials. 

Now Bab had very little knowledge of the real value of her jewelry, andshe had an equally dim notion of what a pawn shop was. But she did knowthat at pawn shops people were able to borrow money at a high rate ofinterest on their valuable possessions, and this seemed to be the onlyway out of their embarrassment. 

But how was Barbara to locate a pawn shop in Washington? And how was sheto find her way there, without being found out either by Mr. Hamlin orany one of the girls?

Bab was still puzzling over these difficulties when she went down tobreakfast. 

"Miss Moore says she would like to see you, Barbara, " Harriet Hamlinexplained, when Bab had forced down a cup of coffee and eaten a smallpiece of toast. "Miss Moore is much better this morning, and a carriageis to take her home in a few hours. I have just been up to inquire abouther. Father, " continued Harriet, turning to Mr. Hamlin, "Miss Moore wantsme to thank you for your kindness in bringing her here, and to say shehopes to be able to repay you some day. Marjorie Moore seems to think youdiscovered her out on the White House lawn, Barbara. However did you doit? I suppose you were out there walking with Peter Dillon. But it isagainst the rules. "

"Does Miss Moore happen to know how she was hurt, Daughter?" Mr. Hamlinqueried. "Lieutenant Wilson declares the girl was struck a glancing blowon the head with the end of a loaded cane. And the doctor seemed to havethe same idea last night. "

"Miss Moore does not understand just what did happen to her, " Harrietreplied. "Or at least she won't tell me. She declares she was out in thegrounds looking for some one, when she was knocked down from behind. Shenever saw who struck her. How perfectly ridiculous for her to be runningabout the White House park alone at night! I wonder the guards permittedit. What do you suppose she was doing?"

"Attending to her business, perhaps, Daughter, " Mr. Hamlin returneddryly. "Miss Moore works exceedingly hard. It cannot always be pleasantfor a refined young woman to do the work she is sometimes required to do. I hope you will be kind to her, Harriet, and help her when it is withinyour power. "

But Harriet only shrugged her shoulders and looked obstinate. "I shouldthink Miss Moore would find the society news for her paper inside thereception rooms, rather than outside in the dark. It looks to me asthough she went out into the grounds either to meet some one, or to findout what some one else was doing. "

None of the "Automobile Girls" or Mr. Hamlin made response to Harriet'sunkind remark and they were all glad when breakfast was over and thediscussion ended. 

Barbara at once went upstairs to the room that had been allotted to theirwounded guest the night before. She found Marjorie Moore dressed in ashabby serge suit, lying on the bed looking pale and weak. A refined, middle-aged woman, with a sad face, sat by her daughter holding her hand. She was Marjorie's mother. The two women were waiting for the carriage totake them home. 

"I want to thank you, Miss Thurston, " Marjorie Moore spoke weakly. "Ibelieve it was you who found me. I ought not to have asked you to comeout into the yard, but I did not dream there would be any danger toeither one of us. I want you to believe that I did have a real reason forpersuading you to join me, a reason that I thought important to yourhappiness, not to mine. But I cannot tell you what it was, now; perhapsbecause I may have made a mistake. I must have been struck by a tramp, who had managed to hide in the White House grounds. I have no otherexplanation of what happened to me. But--" Miss Moore stopped andhesitated. "I have an explanation of the reason I wanted to talk to youalone. Yet I cannot tell you what I mean to-day. I want to ask you totrust me if ever you need a friend in Washington. "

Bab thought the only friend she was likely to need was some one who couldlend her fifty dollars. And Marjorie Moore was too poor to do that. Shewould have liked to ask the newspaper girl where she could find a pawnshop, but was ashamed to make her strange request before that gentle, sad-eyed woman, Marjorie Moore's mother. 

So Barbara only pressed the other girl's hand affectionately, and saidshe was glad to know she was better, and that she appreciated herfriendship. 

CHAPTER XI

IN MR. HAMLIN'S STUDY

All morning Barbara pondered on how she could find a pawn shop inWashington, without asking questions and without being discovered. Hercheeks burned with humiliation and disgust at the very name pawn shop!Still Mollie must never know how much she dreaded her errand, and hermother must be spared the knowledge of their debt at any cost. 

About noon the Hamlin house was perfectly quiet. Grace and Ruth had goneout sight-seeing and Harriet and Mollie were both in their rooms. Mr. Hamlin was over at his office in the State Department. 

Bab had taken a book and gone downstairs to the library, pretending shemeant to read, but really only desiring to think. She was feeling almostdesperate. A week seemed such a little time in which to raise fiftydollars. Bab wished to try the pawn shop venture at once, so that in caseit failed her, she would have time to turn somewhere else to secure thesum of money she needed. 

Barbara was idly turning over the pages of her book, staring straightahead of her at nothing in particular, when she unexpectedly leaped toher feet. Her face flushed, but her lips took on a more determined curve. 

When Barbara Thurston undertook to accomplish a thing she usually found away. Only weak people are deterred by obstacles. 

Bab had remembered that she had heard Mr. Hamlin say that he kept aWashington directory in his private study. She knew that by searchingdiligently through this book she could find the address of a pawn shop. 

Now was the time, of all others, to accomplish her purpose. With Bab, tothink, was to do. 

Barbara knew that no one was expected to enter Mr. Hamlin's study. Shedid not dream, however, that she would be doing any harm just to slipquietly into it, find the directory and slip quickly out again, withouttouching a single other thing in the room. 

As has already been explained, Mr. Hamlin's study was a small roomadjoining the drawing-room, and separated from it by a pair of heavycurtains and folding doors, which were occasionally left open, when Mr. Hamlin was not in the house, so that the room could be aired and at thesame time shut it off from public view. 

Bab went straight through the hall and entered Mr. Hamlin's study througha small back door. 

The room was dark, and Bab thought empty when she entered it. The insideblinds were closed, but there was sufficient light through the openingsfor Barbara to see her way about perfectly. She was bent upon businessand went straight to her task without pausing to open the window, for shewished to take no liberties with Mr. Hamlin's apartment. 

The four walls of the study were lined with books, reports from Congress;everything pertaining to the business of the government at Washington. Certainly finding that old-time needle in a haystack was an easy dutycompared with locating the city directory in such a wilderness of books. 

First on her hands and knees, then on tip-toe, Bab thoroughly searchedthrough every shelf. No directory could be found. 

"I can hardly see, " Bab decided at last. "It will not do any harm for meto turn on an electric light. "

Bab was so intent on her occupation that, even after she had turned onthe light, which hung immediately over Mr. Hamlin's private desk, shestill thought she was alone in the room. 

Lying under a heap of magazines and pages of manuscript on Mr. Hamlin'sdesk, was a large book, which looked very much as though it might be thedesired directory. 

Still Bab wavered. She knew no one was ever allowed to lay a hand on Mr. Hamlin's desk. Even Harriet herself never dared to touch it. But whatharm could it do Mr. Hamlin for Barbara to pick up the book she desired?She would not disarrange a single paper. 

Bab reached out, intending to secure what she wished. But immediately shefelt her arm seized and held in a tight grip. 

A low contralto voice said distinctly: "What do you mean by stealing inhere to search among Mr. Hamlin's papers?" The vise-like hold on Bab'sarm continued. The fingers were slender, but strong as steel, and thegrip hurt Barbara so, she wanted to cry out from the pain. 

"Answer me, " the soft voice repeated. "What are you doing, prying amongMr. Hamlin's papers, when he is out of the house? You know he neverallows any one to touch them. "

[Illustration: Bab Felt Her Arm Seized In a Tight Grip. ]

"I am not prying, " cried Bab indignantly. "I only came in here to lookfor the city directory. I thought it might be on Mr. Hamlin's desk. "

"A likely story, " interrupted Bab's accuser scornfully. "If you wishedthe directory, why did you not ask Mr. Hamlin to lend it to you? Youwanted something else! What was it? Tell me?" The hold on Barbara's armtightened. 

"Let go my arm, Mrs. Wilson, " returned Barbara firmly. "I am telling youthe truth. How absurd for you to think anything else! What could I wishin here? But I needed to look into the directory at once--for a--for aspecial purpose, " Barbara finished lamely. 

Then her eyes flashed indignantly. "I am a guest in Mr. Hamlin's house, "she said, coldly. "How do you know, Mrs. Wilson, that I have not receivedhis permission to enter this room? But you! Will you be good enough toexplain to me why you were hiding behind the curtains in Mr. Hamlin'sstudy when I came in? You, too, knew Mr. Hamlin was not at home. Besides, Harriet receives her guests in the drawing-room, not in here. "

"I came to see Mr. Hamlin on private business, " Mrs. Wilson repliedhaughtily. "He is an old and intimate friend of mine, so I took theliberty of coming in here to wait for his return. But seeing you enter, and suspecting you of mischief, I did conceal myself behind thecurtains. I shall be very glad, however, to remain here with you untilMr. Hamlin returns from his office. I can readily explain my intrusionand you will have an equal opportunity to tell Mr. Hamlin what you weredoing in here. "

Now Barbara, who had slept very little the night before, and had worrieddreadfully all morning, did a very foolish thing. She blushed crimson atMrs. Wilson's request. She might very readily have agreed to stay, andcould simply have explained later to Mr. Hamlin that she had come intohis private room because she needed to see the directory. But would Mr. Hamlin have inquired of Barbara her reason for desiring the directory?This is, of course, what Barbara feared, and it caused her to behave mostunwisely. She trembled and fixed on Mrs. Wilson two pleading brown eyes. 

"Please do not ask me to wait here until Mr. Hamlin returns, " sheentreated. "And, if you don't mind, you will not mention to Mr. Hamlinthat I came into his study without asking his permission. Truly I onlywanted to look at the directory, and I will tell Harriet that I havebeen in here. "

Mrs. Wilson eyed Bab, with evident suspicion. "Why are you so anxious tosee the directory?" she inquired. "If you wish to know a particularaddress why do you not ask your friends, the Hamlins, about it?"

"That is something that I cannot explain to you, Mrs. Wilson, " saidBarbara, a look of fear leaping into her eyes that was not lost on hercompanion. 

"Very well, if you cannot explain yourself, I shall lay the whole matterbefore Mr. Hamlin the instant he comes home, " returned Mrs. Wilsoncruelly. "It looks very suspicious, to say the least, when a guest takesadvantage of his absence to prowl among his private papers. "

Tears of humiliation sprang to Barbara's eyes. It was bad enough to haveMrs. Wilson doubt her integrity, but it would be infinitely worse ifstern Mr. Hamlin were told of her visit to his study. Bab felt that hewould be sure to believe that she was deliberately meddling with mattersthat did not concern her. She looked at Mrs. Wilson. The forbiddingexpression on her face left no doubt in Bab's mind that the older womanwould carry out her threat. Suddenly it flashed across the young girlthat perhaps if Mrs. Wilson really knew the truth she would agree to dropthe affair without saying anything to Mr. Hamlin. 

"Perhaps it will be better after all for me to tell you my reasonfor being here, " Bab said with a gentle dignity that caused Mrs. Wilson's stern expression to soften. "What I am about to say, however, is in strictest confidence, as it involves another personbesides myself. I shall expect you to respect my confidence, Mrs. Wilson, " she added firmly. 

Mrs. Wilson made a jesture of acquiescence. Then Barbara poured forth thestory of Mollie's extravagance and her subsequent remorse over thedifficulties into which her love of dress had plunged both of theThurston girls. "It is just this way, Mrs. Wilson, " Bab concluded. "Wehave very little money of our own and we simply can't ask Mother to paythis debt. I won't ask Ruth to lend it to us because we are too deeplyindebted to her already. I have some jewelry that is valuable; a ring, apin and several trinkets, and I intend to take them to a pawn shop andborrow enough money on them to free Mollie of this debt. Then we willsave our allowance money and redeem the things. I have never been in apawn shop and don't know anything about them, so I thought I would findthe address of a pawn broker in the directory and go there thisafternoon. That is why I wanted the directory and why I came into Mr. Hamlin's study. Now that I have told you, perhaps you will feeldifferently about saying anything to Mr. Hamlin. He is so stern and coldthat he would never forgive me if he knew of all this, although I amdoing nothing wrong. It is very humiliating to be placed in thisposition, but now that the mischief has been done we shall have to payfor the gown and set it all down under the head of bitter experience. "

Mrs. Wilson regarded Barbara steadily while she was speaking. There was alook of admiration in the older woman's eyes when Barbara had finished. "You are a very brave girl, Miss Thurston, to take your sister's troubleon your own shoulders. I am very glad that you saw fit to tell me whatyou have. I hope you will forgive me for my seeming cruelty, but I simplycannot endure anything dishonorable or underhanded. To show you that Ibelieve what you have told me, and to prove to you that your confidencein me is well founded, I propose to help you out of your difficulty. "

"You?" queried Bab in surprise. "I--I don't understand. "

"I will lend you the money to pay the modiste, " exclaimed Mrs. Wilson. "Then you shall pay it back whenever it is convenient for you to do so, and no one will ever be the wiser. We need tell no one that we met herein the study this afternoon. "

"But--I--can't, " protested Barbara rather weakly. "It wouldn't be right. It would be asking entirely too much of you and--"

Mrs. Wilson held up her hand authoritatively. "My dear little girl, " shesaid quickly. "I insist on lending you this money. I am a mother, and ifmy son were in any little difficulty and needed help, I should like tofeel that perhaps some one would be ready to do for him the little I amgoing to do for you. Come to my house this afternoon and I will have themoney ready for you. Will you do this, Barbara?" she asked extending herhand to the young girl. 

Barbara hesitated for a second, then she placed her hand in that of Mrs. Wilson's. "I will take the money, " she said slowly, "and I thank you foryour kindness. I hope I shall be able to do something for you in returnto show my appreciation. "

"Perhaps you may have the opportunity, " replied Mrs. Wilson meaningly. "Who knows. I think I won't wait any longer for Mr. Hamlin. Come to myhouse at half past four o'clock this afternoon. I shall expect you. Good-bye, my dear. "

"Good-bye, " replied Bab mechanically, as she accompanied Mrs. Wilson tothe vestibule door. "I'll be there at half past four. "

CHAPTER XII

BARBARA'S SECRET ERRAND

After the older woman had departed, Bab remained in a brown study. Hadshe been wise in accepting Mrs. Wilson's offer? Would it have been betterafter all to ask Ruth for the loan of the money? Bab sighed heavily. Shehad been so happy and so interested in Washington, and now Mollie'sill-advised purchase had changed everything. For a moment Barbara felt alittle resentment toward Mollie, then she shook off the feeling asunworthy. Mollie had experienced bitter remorse for her folly, and Babknew that her little sister had learned a lesson she would never forget. As for the money, it should be paid back at the earliest opportunity. 

Barbara turned and went slowly upstairs to prepare for luncheon. Shefound Mollie sitting by the window in their room. Her pretty mouthdrooped at the corners and her eyes were red with weeping. 

"Cheer up, Molliekins!" exclaimed Bab. "I've found a way out of thedifficulty. "

"Oh, Bab, " said Mollie in a shamed voice. "Did you have to tell Ruth?"

"No, dear, " responded Bab. "Ruth knows nothing about it. Bathe your faceat once. It is almost time to go down to luncheon, and your eyes areawfully red. While you are fixing up I'll tell you about it. "

"Oh, Bab!" Mollie said contritely when her sister had finished heraccount of what had happened in the study. "You're the best sister a girlever had. I don't believe I'll ever be so silly about my clothes again. This has cured me. I'm so sorry. "

"Of course you are, little Sister, " soothed Bab. "Don't say another word. Here comes Ruth and Grace. "

The two girls entered the room at that moment and a little later the fourdescended to luncheon. 

"I am going to do some shopping this afternoon, " announced Ruth. "Wouldyou girls like to do the stores with me?"

"I'll go, " replied Grace. "I want to buy a pair of white gloves and Ineed a number of small things. "

"I have an engagement this afternoon, " said Harriet enigmatically. "Imust ask you to excuse me, Ruth. "

"Certainly, Harriet, " returned Ruth. "How about you and Mollie, Bab?"

"Mollie can go with you, " answered Bab, coloring slightly. "But wouldyou be disappointed if I do not go? I have something else that I amobliged to see to this afternoon. "

"Of course, I'd love to have you with me, Bab, but you know your ownbusiness best. "

Suspecting that Bab wished to spend the afternoon in going over her ownand Mollie's rather limited wardrobe, Ruth made no attempt to persuadeBab to make one of the shopping party, and when a little later A. Bubblecarried the three girls away, she went directly upstairs to prepare forher call on Mrs. Wilson. It was a beautiful afternoon, and Bab decidedthat she would walk to her destination. As she swung along through thecrisp December air the feeling of depression that had clung to her eversince Mollie had made her tearful confession vanished, and Bab becamealmost cheerful. She would save every penny, she reflected hopefully, andwhen she and Mollie received their next month's pocket money, she wouldsend that to Mrs. Wilson. It would take some time to pay back the fiftydollars, but Mrs. Wilson had assured her that she could return it at herown convenience. Bab felt that her vague distrust of this whole-souled, generous woman had been groundless, and in her impulsive, girlish fashionshe was ready to do everything in her power to make amends for evendoubting this fascinating stranger who had so nobly come to her rescue. 

By following carefully the directions given her by Mrs. Wilson forfinding her house, Bab arrived at her destination with very littleconfusion. She looked at her watch as she ascended the steps and saw thatit was just half past four o'clock. "I'm on time at any rate, " shemurmured as she rang the bell. 

"Is Mrs. Wilson here?" she inquired of the maid who answered the bell. 

"Come this way, please, " said the maid, and Bab followed her across thesquare hall and through a door hung with heavy portieres. She foundherself in what appeared to be half library, half living room, and seemedespecially designed for comfort. A bright fire burned in the open fireplace at one side of the room, and before the fire stood a young man, whoturned abruptly as Bab entered. 

"How do you do, Miss Thurston, " said Peter Dillon, coming forward andtaking her hand. 

"Why--I thought--" stammered Barbara, a look of keen disappointmentleaping into her brown eyes, "that Mrs. Wilson--was--"

"To be here, " finished Peter Dillon, smiling almost tantalizingly at herevident embarrassment. "So she was, but she received a telephone messagehalf an hour ago and was obliged to go out for a little while. Ihappened to be here when the message came and she told me that sheexpected you to call at half past four o'clock and asked me if I wouldwait and receive you. She left a note for you in my care. Here it is. "

Peter Dillon handed Bab an envelope addressed to "Miss Barbara Thurston, "looking at her searchingly as he did so. Bab colored hotly under hisalmost impertinent scrutiny as she reached out her hand for the envelope. She had an uncomfortable feeling at that moment that perhaps Peter Dillonknew as much about the contents of the envelope as she did. 

"Thank you, Mr. Dillon, " she said in a low voice. "I think I won't waitfor Mrs. Wilson. Please tell her that I thank her and that I'll write. "

"Very well, " replied the young man. "I will deliver your message. " Heheld the heavy portieres back for Bab as she stepped into the hall andaccompanied her to the vestibule door. "Good-bye, Miss Thurston, " he saidwith a peculiar, meaning flash of his blue eyes that completed Bab'sdiscomfiture. "I shall hope to see you in a day or two. "

Bab hurried down the steps and into the street. The shadows werebeginning to fall and in another hour it would be dark. When she reachedthe corner she looked about her in bewilderment, then with a littleimpatient exclamation she wheeled and retraced her steps. She had beengoing in the wrong direction. She had passed Mrs. Wilson's house, when amurmur of familiar voices caused her to start and look back at it inamazement. Stepping off the walk and behind the trunk of a great tree, Barbara stared from her place of concealment, hardly able to believe theevidence of her own eyes. Peter Dillon was standing just outside thevestibule door, his hat in his hand and just inside stood Mrs. Wilson. The two were deep in conversation and Bab heard the young man's musicallaugh ring out as though something had greatly amused him. Filled with asickening apprehension that she was the cause of his laughter, Babstepped from behind the tree unobserved by the two on the step above andwalked on down the street assailed by the disquieting suspicion that Mrs. Wilson had had a motive far from disinterested in lending her the fiftydollars. She glanced down at the envelope in her hand. She felt positivethat it contained the money, and her woman's intuition told her thatPeter Dillon's presence in the house had not been a matter of chance. Sheexperienced a strong desire to run back to the house and return theenvelope unopened, and at the same time ask Mrs. Wilson why Peter haduntruthfully declared that she was not at home. Bab paused irresolutely. Then a vision of Mollie's tearful face rose before her, and squaring hershoulders, she marched along through the gathering twilight, determinedto use the borrowed money to pay Mollie's debt and face the consequenceswhatever they might be. 

When Bab reached home she found that Harriet had come in and gone to herroom, while the other girls had not yet returned. Barbara was glad thatno one had discovered her absence, and divesting herself of her hat andcoat she hurried up to her room. Closing and locking the door, she satdown and tore open the envelope and with hands that trembled, drew out afolded paper. Inside the folded paper was a crisp fifty dollar bill. Mrs. Wilson had kept her word. 

While she sat fingering the bill, she heard voices downstairs and amoment later Mollie tried the door, then knocked. Bab rose and unlockedthe door for her sister. 

"Did you get it, Bab?" asked Mollie eagerly, a deep flush risingto her face. 

"Yes, Molliekins, here it is, " answered Barbara quietly, holding up themoney. "To-morrow you and I will go to Madame Louise and pay the bill. "

"Oh, Bab, " said Mollie, her lips quivering. "I'm so sorry. I've been somuch trouble, but I'll save every cent of my pocket money and pay Mrs. Wilson as soon as I can. It was so good of her to lend us the moneywasn't it?"

Barbara merely nodded. Her early gratitude toward Mrs. Wilson hadvanished, in spite of her efforts to believe in Mrs. Wilson, her firstfeeling of distrust had returned. She thought gloomily, as she listenedto Mollie's praise of Mrs. Wilson's generosity, that perhaps after all itwould have been better to pay a visit to the pawn broker. 

CHAPTER XIII

A FOOLISH GIRL

In the meantime Harriet Hamlin was equally as unhappy as Bab and Mollie. For, instead of owing Madame Louise a mere fifty dollars, she owed heralmost five hundred and she dared not ask her father for the money to paythe bill. The dividend, with which she had tempted Mollie to make herill-advised purchase, amounted to only twenty-five dollars. It had seemeda sufficient sum to Harriet to pay down on her friend's investment, butshe knew the amount was not large enough to stay the wrath of herdressmaker, as far as her own account was concerned. 

Now, Harriet had never intended to let her bill mount up to such adreadful sum. She was horrified when she found out how large it reallywas. Yet month by month Harriet had been tempted to add to her stock ofpretty clothes, without inquiring about prices, and she now found herselfin this painful predicament. 

Harriet, also, thought of every possible scheme by which she might raisethe money she needed. On one thing she was determined. Her father shouldnever learn of her indebtedness. She would take any desperate measurebefore this should happen; for Harriet stood very much in awe of herfather, and knew that he had a special horror of debt. 

Since Charlie Meyers had behaved so rudely to Barbara, on the night oftheir automobile ride to Mt. Vernon, Harriet had had nothing to do withhim. But now, in her anxiety, she decided to appeal to him. She couldthink of no other plan. Charlie Meyers was immensely rich and a very oldfriend. Five hundred dollars could mean very little to him, and Harrietcould, of course, pay him back later on. She fully intended to livewithin her allowance in the future and save her money until she had paidevery dollar that she owed. 

But how was Harriet to see Charlie Meyers? After all she had said abouthim to the "Automobile Girls, " she was really ashamed to invite him toher house. So Harriet dispatched a note to the young man, making anappointment with him to meet her on a corner some distance from thehouse on the same afternoon that Bab made her uncomfortable visit toMrs. Wilson. 

Charlie Meyers was highly elated when he read Harriet Hamlin's note. Hehad known her since she was a little girl in short frocks and was veryfond of her. He had been deeply hurt by her coldness to him since theirautomobile party, but he was such an ill-bred fellow that he simply hadnot understood how badly he had behaved. He did know that Mr. Hamlindisliked him and did not enjoy his attentions to his daughter; so hehated Mr. Hamlin in consequence. 

When Harriet's note arrived, he interpreted it to mean that she was sorryshe had treated him unkindly, and that she did care for him in spite ofher father's opposition. So he drove down to the designated corner in hiscar, feeling very well pleased with himself. 

Harriet, however, started out to meet the young man feeling ashamed ofherself. She knew that she was behaving very indiscreetly, but shebelieved that Charlie Meyers would be ready to help her and that shecould make him do anything she wished. She accepted his invitation totake a ride, but she put off the evil moment of voicing her request aslong as possible, and as they glided along in Meyers' car, she madeherself as agreeable to her escort as she knew how to be. 

After they had driven some distance out from Washington in the directionof Arlington, the old home of General Robert E. Lee, Charlie Meyers saidbluntly to Harriet:

"Now, Harriet, what's the matter? You said in your note that you wantedto see me about something important. What is it?"

Harriet stopped abruptly and looked rather timidly at Meyers. She hadbeen trying in vain to lead up to the point of asking her favor, and hereher companion had given her the very opportunity she required. 

Yet Harriet hesitated, and the laughter died away on her lips. She knewshe was doing a very wrong thing in asking this young man to lend hermoney. But Harriet had been spoiled by too much admiration and she hadhad no mother's influence in the four years of her life when she mostneeded it. She was determined not to ask her father's help, and she knewof no one else to whom she could appeal. 

"I am not feeling very well, Charlie, " Harriet answered queerly, turninga little pale and trying to summon her courage. 

"You've been entertaining too much company!" Charlie Meyers exclaimed. "Idon't think much of that set of 'Automobile Girls' you have staying withyou. They are good-looking enough, but they are kind of standoffish andsuperior. "

"No, indeed; I am not having too much company, " Harriet returnedindignantly, forgetting she must not let herself grow angry with herill-bred friend. "I am perfectly devoted to every one of the 'AutomobileGirls, ' and Ruth Stuart is my first cousin. "

Harriet and Charlie were both silent for a little while after thisunfortunate beginning to their conversation, for Harriet did not knowexactly how to go on. 

"I am worried, " she began again, after a slight pause in which shecounted the trees along the road to see how fast their car was running. "I am worried because I am in a great deal of trouble. "

"You haven't been getting engaged, have you, Harriet?" asked the youngman anxiously. "If you want to break it off, just leave matters to me. "

Harriet laughed in spite of herself. It seemed so perfectly absurd toher to be expected to leave a matter as important to her happiness as herengagement to a person like Charlie Meyers to settle. 

Charlie Meyers was twenty-two years of age. He had refused to go tocollege and had never even finished high school. His father had died whenhe was a child, leaving him to the care of a stepmother who had littleaffection for him. At the age of twenty-one the boy came into control ofhis immense fortune. So it was not remarkable that Charlie Meyers, whohad almost no education, no home influence and a vast sum of money at hisdisposal, thought himself of tremendous importance without making anyeffort to prove himself so. 

"No, I am not engaged, Charlie, " Harriet answered frankly. "But I do wantyou to do me a favor, and I wonder if you will do it?"

The young man flushed. His red face grew redder still. What was Harrietgoing to ask him? He began to feel suspicious. 

Now this rich young man had a peculiarity of which Harriet had notdreamed, or she would never have dared to ask him for a loan. He was verystingy, and he had an abnormal fear that people were going to try to makeuse of him. 

Harriet had started with her request, so she went bravely on:

"I'll just tell you the whole story, Charlie, " she declared, "so youwill see what an awful predicament I am in. I know you won't tell Father, and you may be able to help me out. I owe Madame Louise, my dressmaker, five hundred dollars! She has threatened to bring suit against me at theend of a week unless I pay her what I owe before that time. Would youlend me the money, Charlie? I am awfully ashamed to ask you. But I couldpay you back in a little while. "

Harriet's voice dropped almost to a whisper, she was so embarrassed. Hercompanion must have heard her, for he was sitting beside her in theautomobile, but he made no answer. 

Poor Harriet sat very still for a moment overcome with humiliation. Shehad trampled upon her pride and self-respect in making her request, andshe had begun to realize more fully how very unwise she had been inasking such a favor of this young man. Yet it had really never dawned onthe girl that Charlie Meyers could refuse her request. When he did notanswer, she began to feel afraid. Harriet could not have spoken again forthe world. Her usually haughty head was bent low, and her lids droppedover her eyes in which the tears of humiliation were beginning to gather. 

"Look here, Harriet, " protested the young man at last. "Five hundreddollars is a good deal of money even for me to lend. What arrangements doyou want to make about paying it back?"

"Why, Charlie!" Harriet exclaimed. "You can have the interest on themoney, if you like. I never thought of that. "

"You can pay me back the interest if you wish, " Charlie replied sullenly. "But you know, Harriet, that I like you an awful lot, and for a long timeI've been wanting you to marry me. But you've always refused me. Now ifyou'll promise to marry me, I'll let you have the money. But if youwon't, why you can't have it--that's all! I am not going to lend my goodmoney to you, and then have you go your way and perhaps not have anythingmore to do with me for weeks. I tell you, Harriet, I like you an awfullot and you know it; but I am not going to be made a fool of, and youmight as well find it out right now. "

Harriet was so angry she simply could not speak for a few minutes. Theenormity of her mistake swept over her. But silence was her best weapon, for Charlie Meyers began to feel ashamed. He was dimly aware that he hadinsulted Harriet, and he really did care for her as much as he wascapable of caring for any one. 

"I didn't mean to make you angry, Harriet, " he apologized in a halffrightened voice. "I don't see why you can't care for me anyhow. I'veasked you to marry me over and over again. And I can just tell you, youwon't have to worry over debts to dressmakers ever again, if you marryme. I've got an awful lot of money. "

"I am very glad you have, Mr. Meyers, " Harriet answered coldly, with aslight catch in her voice. "But I am certainly sorry I asked you to lendany of it to me. Will you never refer to this conversation again, andtake me home as soon as you can? I don't think it is worth while for meeven to refuse your offer. But please remember that my affection issomething that mere money cannot buy. " Harriet's tone was so scornfulthat the young man winced. He could think of nothing to reply, and turnedhis car around in shame-faced silence. 

Harriet too was very quiet. She would have liked to tell her companionwhat she truly thought of him, how coarse and ill-bred he was, but sheset her lips and remained silent. She did not wish to make an enemy ofCharlie Meyers. After that day's experience, she would simply drop himfrom her list of acquaintances and have nothing more to do with him. 

Stupid though he was, the discomfited young man felt Harriet's silentcontempt. He wanted to apologize to her, to explain, to say a thousandthings. But he was too dense to know just what he should say. It wasbetter for him that he did wait to make his apology until a later day, when Harriet's anger had in a measure cooled and she was even moremiserable and confused than she was at that time. 

"I am awfully sorry, Harriet, " Charlie Meyers stumbled over his words ashe helped her out of his machine. "You know I didn't exactly mean torefuse your request. I'll be awfully glad to--"

But Harriet's curt good-bye checked his apologetic speech, and he turnedand drove swiftly away. 

CHAPTER XIV

"GRANT NO FAVORS!"

"Mrs. Wilson's tea is at four o'clock, girls, remember, " Harrietannounced a day or so later, looking up from the note she was writing. "Are you actually going sight-seeing again to-day before the reception?Truly, I never imagined such energy!"

"Oh, come, Harriet Hamlin, don't be sarcastic, " Ruth rejoined. "If youhad not lived so long in Washington you would be just as much interestedin everything as the 'Automobile Girls' are. But Bab and I are the onlyones to go sight-seeing to-day. Mollie isn't feeling well, and Grace isstaying to console her. We shall be back in plenty of time. Why don't youlie down for a while! You look so tired. "

"Oh, I am all right, " Harriet answered gently. "Good-bye, children. Begood and remember you have promised not to be late. "

Ruth and Bab were highly anxious for a walk and talk together, and theyhad a special enterprise on hand for this afternoon. Bab had received amysterious summons from her newspaper friend, Marjorie Moore. The notehad asked Bab to bring Ruth, and to come to the Visitors' Gallery in theSenate Chamber at an appointed time. Marjorie Moore chose this strangemeeting place because she had a "special story" of the Senate to writefor her paper and was obliged to be in the gallery. 

Barbara was not particularly surprised at the request. She knew thatMarjorie Moore had been wishing to make her a confidant ever since thereception at the White House. And she knew that the girl could not cometo Mr. Hamlin's house because of Harriet's hostile attitude toward her. 

So Bab confided the whole story to Ruth, and feeling much mystified andexcited, the two girls set out for the Capitol. 

During the long walk Barbara thought of her own secret, which she longedto confide to Ruth, but she dared not tell Ruth of the borrowed money forfear Ruth would at once insist on paying her debt. The money had to bepaid, of course, and Bab hoped to pay it back at an early date, but shehad not yet come to the point where she could bear to ask Ruth for it. 

When Ruth and Bab finally reached the Capitol building, and made theirway to the Visitors' Gallery in the Senate Chamber, Marjorie Moore wasnot there. She had failed to keep her appointment. 

"I am not so very sorry Miss Moore has not come, " Barbara remarked toRuth. "She seems to be such a mysterious kind of person, alwayssuggesting something and never really telling you what it is. "

Ruth laughed. "The 'Automobile Girls' hate mysteries, don't they, Bab?But goodness knows, we are always being involved in them!"

The two visitors sat down to listen to the speeches of United StatesSenators. There was some excitement in the Chamber, Bab decided, butneither she nor Ruth could exactly understand what was going on. Both girls listened and watched the proceedings below them withsuch intensity that they forgot all about Marjorie Moore and herstrange request. 

A few moments later she dropped down into the vacant seat next toBarbara. She looked more hurried and agitated than ever. Her hat was onone side, and her coat collar was half doubled under. She was a littlepaler from her trying experience of a few nights before, and an uglybruise showed over her temple. But she made no reference to her accident. 

"I am sorry I am late, " she whispered. "But come back here in the farcorner of the gallery with me. I want to talk with you just half aminute. I am so busy I can't stay with you any longer. I just felt I mustsee you, Miss Thurston, before you go to tea with Mrs. Wilson thisafternoon. "

"Tea with Mrs. Wilson!" Bab ejaculated. "How did you know we were goingto Mrs. Wilson's tea? And has that anything to do with your message tome?" Barbara did not speak in her usual friendly tones. She was gettingdecidedly cross. It seemed to her that she had been under some one'ssupervision ever since her arrival in Washington. 

"Yes, it has, Miss Thurston, " the newspaper girl replied quickly. "I wantto ask you something. Promise me you will grant no one a favor, no matterwho asks it of you to-day?"

Barbara flushed. "Why how absurd, Miss Moore. I really cannot make youany such promise. It is too foolish. "

"Foolish or not, you must promise me, " Marjorie Moore insisted. Then sheturned earnestly to Ruth. "I know you have a great deal of influence withyour friend. If she will not agree to what I ask her, won't you make herpromise you this: She is not to consent to do a favor for any one thisafternoon, no matter how simple the favor seems to be. Do youunderstand?"

Ruth looked at Marjorie Moore blankly, but something in the newspapergirl's earnest expression arrested her attention. 

"I don't see why you won't make Miss Moore the promise she begs of you, Bab, " Ruth argued. "It seems a simple thing she has asked you. And Idon't think it is very nice of you, dear, to refuse her, even though herrequest does seem a little absurd to you. "

"But won't you tell me why you ask me to be so exceedinglyunaccommodating, Miss Moore?" Bab retorted. 

Marjorie Moore shook her head. "That's just the trouble. Again I can'ttell you why I ask this of you. But I want to assure you of one thing. Itwould mean a great deal more to me, personally, to have you agree to dothe favor that may or may not be asked of you this afternoon. I am theonly outside person in Washington who knows of a certain game that is tobe played. It would mean a big scoop for my paper and a lot of money forme if I would just let things drift. But I like you too well to hold mytongue, though I am not going to tell you anything more. And I certainlywon't beg you to do what I ask of you. Of course you may do just as youplease. Good-bye; I am too busy to talk any more to-day. " Before Barbaracould make up her mind what to answer, the newspaper woman hurried away. 

Ruth looked decidedly worried after Marjorie Moore's departure. ButBarbara was still incredulous and a little bored at being kept socompletely in the dark. 

"Look here, Bab, " Ruth advised, as the two girls walked slowly hometogether, "you did not promise Miss Moore to do what she asked of you. But you must promise me. Oh, I know it seems absurd! And I am not exactlyblaming you for refusing to make that promise to Miss Moore. But, Bab, wecannot always judge the importance of little things. So I, at least, shall be much happier at this particular tea if you will promise me notto do a single thing that any one asks you to do. "

Both girls laughed gayly at Ruth's request. 

"Won't I be an agreeable guest, Ruth?" Bab mimicked. "If any one asksme to sit down, I must say, 'No; I insist on standing up. Because Ihave promised my friend Miss Stuart not to do a single thing I amrequested to do all afternoon. ' I wish I did not have to go to Mrs. Wilson's tea to-day. "

"You need not joke, Bab, " Ruth persisted. "And you need not pretend youwould have to behave so foolishly. I only ask you to promise me what youwould not agree to, when Marjorie Moore asked it of you: 'Don't do anyfavor for any one, no matter who asks it of you this afternoon!'"

Bab gave up. "All right, Ruth, dear; I promise, " she conceded. "You knowvery well that I can't refuse you anything, though I do think you andMiss Moore are asking me to be ridiculous. I do hereby solemnly swear tobe, for the rest of this day, the most unaccommodating young person inthe whole world. But beware, Ruth Stuart! The boomerang may return andstrike you. Don't dare request me to do you a favor until after the bellschime midnight, when I shall be released from my present idiotic vow. "

Mrs. Wilson's afternoon teas were not like any others in Washington. Theywere not crowded affairs, where no one had a chance to talk, but smallcompanies of guests especially selected by Mrs. Wilson for theircongeniality. So Mrs. Wilson was regarded as one of the most popularhostesses at the Capital and distinguished people came to herentertainments who could not be persuaded to go anywhere else. 

Harriet and the four "Automobile Girls" were delighted to see a number ofservice uniforms when they entered the charming French drawing-room oftheir hostess, which was decorated in old rose draperies against ivorytinted walls. 

Lieutenant Elmer Wilson's friends, young Army and Navy officers, were outin full force. They were among the most agreeable young men in Washingtonsociety. Lieutenant Elmer at once attached himself to Mollie; and hisattentions might have turned the head of that young woman if she had notbeen feeling unusually sobered by her recent experience with debt. 

Barbara soon recognized the two young men who had helped her carryMarjorie Moore from the lawn to the White House veranda. But neither oneof them referred to the incident while there were other peoplesurrounding them. Finally an opportunity came to one of the two men tospeak to Barbara. He leaned over and whispered softly: "How is the youngwoman we rescued the other night? I almost thought she had been killed. We have been sworn to secrecy. But one of my friends has an idea that hesaw the man who may have attacked Miss Moore. He was out on a porchbefore the rest of us joined him, and he swears he saw two figures atsome distance across the lawn. "

Bab shuddered. "I was on the lawn. Perhaps he saw me. "

"No, " her companion argued, unconvinced. "My friend is sure he saw twomen; one of them was rather heavily built--"

Peter Dillon's approach cut short the conversation and the young Armyofficer turned away, as Peter joined Bab. 

Barbara hardly turned around to greet the newcomer. She did not likePeter Dillon and she was very anxious to hear what her previous companionhad to say. So Bab only gave Mr. Dillon her haughtiest bow. Peter did notappear discouraged; he stood for a moment smiling at Bab good humoredly, the boyish look shining in his near-sighted dark blue eyes. 

Barbara was forced to speak to him. "How do you do, Mr. Dillon?" sheasked at last. 

"Very well indeed, " replied the young man cheerfully. "Did you arrivehome safely the other day?"

Barbara colored hotly. She felt certain now that despite her promise ofsecrecy Mrs. Wilson had betrayed her confidence and told Peter Dillonabout the borrowed money. Why she had done so was a mystery and why hehad lied to Bab in saying Mrs. Wilson was out was also a problem Babcould not solve. 

While all this was passing through her mind Peter stood regarding herwith a quizzical smile. Then he said smoothly: "Miss Thurston, will youdo me a favor?"

Bab flashed a peculiar glance at him. "No, " she replied abruptly. 

The young man looked surprised. "I am sorry, " he declared. "I was onlygoing to ask you to go in the other room to look at a picture with me. "

A little later in the afternoon, Harriet managed to get the four"Automobile Girls" together. "Mrs. Wilson wishes us to stay to dinnerwith her, " Harriet explained. "She has asked eight or ten otherpeople and Father has telephoned that he will come in after dinner totake us home. "

CHAPTER XV

BAB REFUSES TO GRANT A FAVOR

The dinner party was delightful. The "Automobile Girls" had not had sucha good time since their arrival in Washington. Mrs. Wilson was a charminghostess. She was particularly gracious to Bab, and the young girl decidedto forget the disquieting suspicions she had harbored against thisfascinating woman and enjoy herself. 

It was almost ten o'clock. Mr. Hamlin had not yet arrived at Mrs. Wilson's. Bab was sitting in one corner of the drawing-room talking gaylywith a young Annapolis graduate, who was telling her all about his firstcruise, when Elmer Wilson interrupted them. 

"I am terribly sorry to break into your conversation like this, MissThurston, " he apologized. "But Mother wishes to have a little talk withyou in the library before you leave here. I am sure I don't know what shewishes to see you about; she told me to give you her message and ask noquestions. May I show you the way to her!"

Bab's gay laughter died on her lips. She rose at once and signified herwillingness to accompany Elmer to the library, but both young mennoticed that her face had grown grave and she seemed almost embarrassed. 

Elmer Wilson wondered why Miss Thurston had taken his mother's simplemessage so seriously. He was almost as embarrassed as Bab appeared to be. 

When Barbara entered the room where she had received the envelopefrom Peter Dillon the room was but dimly lighted. Two rose-coloredshades covered the low lamps, and great bunches of pink rosesornamented the mantel. 

Mrs. Wilson wore a black and white chiffon gown over white silk and had alittle band of black velvet about her throat from which hung a smalldiamond star. Her beautiful white hair looked like a silver crown on herhead. She was leaning back in her chair with closed eyes when Bab enteredthe room, and she did not open them at once. She let the young girl standand look at her, expecting her unusual beauty to influence Bab, as it hadmany other older people. Mrs. Wilson looked tired and in a softened mood. Her head rested against a pile of dark silken cushions. Her hands werefolded, in her lap. 

She opened her dark eyes finally and smiled at Barbara. "Come here, Barbara, " she commanded, pointing to a chair opposite her. 

Bab looked at her beautiful hostess timidly, but her brown eyes werehonest and clear. "You sent for me?" Bab queried, sitting down very stiffand straight among the soft cushions. 

"Of course I did, " Mrs. Wilson smiled. "And I should have done sobefore, only you and I have both been too busy. I am so glad you came tomy tea to-day. " Mrs. Wilson reached out her slender white hand and tookhold of Barbara's firm brown one. "I want to make you a very humbleapology, " she continued. "I am very sorry that I was obliged to be awaythe other day when you called. I left the envelope with Mr. Dillon. Ireceived your note yesterday, so I know that it was delivered into yourhands. I did not return until after seven o'clock the other night, so itwas just as well you didn't wait for me. I knew I could trust Mr. Dillonto give it to you. "

The girl made no reply. She did not dare raise her eyes to the otherwoman's face for fear Mrs. Wilson would divine from their expression thatBab knew she had lied. At the same time a thrill of consternation sweptover her. What had been Mrs. Wilson's object in lending her the money?Bab was now sure that the loan had not been made disinterestedly. Butwhat had Peter Dillon to do with it? It looked very much as though Mrs. Wilson and the attaché were playing a game, and were seeking to draw herinto it. She resolved at that moment that she would write to her motherfor the money, or ask Ruth for it. She would do anything rather thanremain in Mrs. Wilson's debt. There was something about the intent way inwhich her hostess looked at her that aroused fresh suspicion in her mind. Bab braced herself to hear what she knew instinctively was to follow. 

"I am so glad I was able to help you, " Mrs. Wilson purred, continuing towatch the young girl intently. "I know that you meant what you said whenyou declared that you hoped to some day be able to do some favor for me. I did not think then that I should ever wish to take you at your word, but strange as it may seem, you are the very person I have been lookingfor to help me with a joke that I wish to play upon Mr. Hamlin. You know, Mr. Hamlin is a very methodical man. Well, I wagered him a dozen pairs ofgloves, the other day, that he would misplace one of his beloved papers. And I hope to win the wager. What I wish you to do is to secure a certainpaper from his desk and give it to me. He will never know how I obtainedit. Of course I shall return it to him in a day or so, after heacknowledges his defeat and pays his wager. "

Barbara shook her head. "I don't think I can take any part in any suchjoke, Mrs. Wilson, " she said, looking appealingly at her hostess. "Youdon't really mean that you wish me to take one of Mr. Hamlin's paperswithout his knowledge, and then give the paper to you?"

"Certainly, child, I do mean just that thing, " Mrs. Wilson said, laughinglightly. "You need not take my request so seriously. Mr. Hamlin willappreciate the joke more than any one else when I have explained it tohim. Won't you keep your word and grant me this favor?"

"I can't do what you ask, Mrs. Wilson, " Bab said slowly. "I'm awfullysorry, but it wouldn't be honorable. "

Mrs. Wilson turned away her head, so that Barbara could not see theexpression of her face. "Very well, Miss Thurston, " she said sharply. "Don't trouble about it, if you think you will be committing one of thecardinal sins in doing me this favor. But don't you think you are ratherungrateful? You were perfectly willing to accept my offer the other daywhen you were in need of money to pay your sister's debt, but now you arein no hurry to cancel your obligation. I consider you an extremelydisobliging young woman. "

Barbara sat silent and ashamed. Yet she made no effort to propitiate herangry hostess. 

The butler came to the library door to announce the arrival ofMr. Hamlin. 

Barbara rose quickly. "I am so sorry not to be able to do you the favoryou asked of me, Mrs. Wilson, " she said in a low tone. 

Mrs. Wilson did not reply. Then in a flash Barbara Thurston rememberedsomething! It was the promise Marjorie Moore had asked of her, and whichRuth Stuart had insisted upon her making. Without recalling that promiseat the time, Bab had still kept her word. She had been asked to do someone a favor--and she had refused. But of course Marjorie Moore must havehad some other thing in mind when she made her curious demand. Now thatBarbara thought again of her vow, she determined to be wary for the restof the evening and to keep as far away from Peter Dillon as possible. 

"I am going to play chaperon at your house in the near future, Harriet, "Mrs. Wilson announced, as her guests were saying good night. "Your fathersays he is to be out of town on business and that I may look after you. "

"We shall be delighted to have you, Mrs. Wilson, " Harriet returnedpolitely, though she wondered why her father had suddenly requested Mrs. Wilson to act as chaperon. Harriet had often stayed at home alone withonly their faithful old servants to look after her, when her father wentaway for a short time. And now that she had the four "Automobile Girls"as her guests, she did not feel in need of a chaperon. 

Peter Dillon had not spoken to Bab again during the evening, but hadstudiously avoided her, and Bab was exceedingly glad that he had kept hisdistance. But as she put on her coat to go home, she heard the rustle ofa small piece of paper. 

Barbara glanced down at it, of course, and found that some one had pinneda folded square of paper to the inner lining of her coat. 

She blushed furiously, for fear one of the other guests would discoverwhat had happened. Bab hated sentimentality and secrecy more thananything in the world. Inside the folded square of paper she found thetiny faded rose-bud, Peter Dillon had placed in his pocket that day whenhe had picked the two buds in the old Washington garden at Mt. Vernon. 

On the way downstairs, Barbara still kept the flower in her hand. Butwhen she found Peter's eyes were upon her she deliberately crushed thelittle rose-bud, then defiantly tossed it away. 

CHAPTER XVI

BARBABA'S UNEXPECTED GOOD LUCK

It was the second day after Mrs. Wilson's dinner when Barbara made up hermind to tell Ruth of her debt to Mrs. Wilson and to ask her friend tolend her the money to relieve her of her obligation. Bab could endure thesituation no longer. She simply determined to tell Ruth everything, except the part that poor Mollie had played in the original difficulty. She meant to explain to Ruth that she had needed fifty dollars, that shehad intended going to a pawn shop to secure the money, her interview withMrs. Wilson and her acceptance of the loan offered by the beautifulwoman. She would not tell Ruth, however, why she had suddenly requiredthis sum of money. Now, Bab knew Ruth would ask her no questions andwould grant her request without a moment's hesitation or loss of faith. The sympathy between Ruth and Barbara was very deep and real. 

It was one thing for Barbara Thurston to decide to appeal to Ruth'sever-ready generosity, but another thing actually to make her demand. 

The two girls lay on Ruth's bed, resting. They had been to a dance at theBritish Embassy the night before. Mollie and Grace were together in thenext room and Harriet was alone. 

"Barbara!" exclaimed Ruth suddenly. "If you could have one wish, thatwould surely be granted, what would you wish?"

"I would like to have some money in a hurry, " flashed through Bab's mind, but she was ashamed to make such a speech to Ruth, so she said rathersoberly. "I have so many wishes its hard to single out one. "

"Well what are some of them?" persisted Ruth. "Do you wish to be rich, orfamous, or to write a great book or a play?"

"Oh, yes; I wish all those things, Ruth, " Bab agreed. "But you were notthinking of such big things. What little private wish of your own did youhave in your mind? Please don't wish for things that will take you faraway from me, " Bab entreated. 

Ruth's blue eyes were misty when she replied: "Oh, no, Bab! I was justgoing to wish that something would happen so that you and I need never beseparated again. I love you just as though you were my sister, and I amso lonely at home without you and Mollie. Yet, as soon as our visit toHarriet is over, you must go back to school in Kingsbridge and I have togo home to Chicago. Who knows when we shall see each other again? I don'tsuppose that our motor trips can go on happening forever. "

Bab pressed Ruth's hand silently, her own thoughts flying toward thefuture, when she would perhaps be working her way through college, andteaching school later on, and Ruth would be in society, a beauty and abelle in her Western home. 

"Why don't you say something, Bab?" queried Ruth, feeling slightlyoffended at Bab's silence. "Can't you say you wish the same thing that Ido, and that you believe our motor trips will last forever?"

A knock at the door interrupted Bab's answer. When she went to openit a maid handed her three letters. Two of them were for Ruth and onefor Barbara. 

Ruth opened her letters quickly. The handwriting on one of them was herAunt Sallie's. The other was from Ruth's father. 

The postmark on Bab's letter was unfamiliar, however, so she did nottrouble to open it, until she heard what Ruth had to say. 

"Oh, I am so sorry!" Ruth ejaculated. "See here, Bab, Aunt Sallie writesus that she cannot come on to Washington. She has rheumatism, orsomething, in her shoulder and does not want to make the long trip. Shesays I had better come home in a week or ten days, and that Father willprobably come for me. Of course, Aunt Sallie sends love and kisses allaround to her 'Automobile Girls. ' She ends by declaring I must bring youhome with me. "

Bab gave a deep sigh. "I do wish Miss Sallie had been here with us, "she murmured. 

Ruth looked reflective. "Have you any special reason for needing AuntSallie, Bab? I have an idea you have something on your mind. Won't I dofor your confidant!"

"Yes, you will, Ruth!" Bab said slowly, turning her face to hide herpainful embarrassment. "Ruth will you--"

Bab had picked up her own letter. More to gain time than for any otherreason, she opened it idly. A piece of paper fluttered out on the bed, which Ruth picked up. 

"Why, Bab!" she cried. "Look! Here is a check for fifty dollars! Andthere is some strange name on it that I never heard of before. "

But Ruth could not speak again, for Bab had thrown her arms about her andwas embracing her excitedly. 

"Oh, Ruth, I am so glad, I am so glad!" Bab exclaimed, half laughing, half crying. "Just think of it--fifty dollars! And just now of all times. I never dreamed of such luck coming to me. It is just too wonderful!"

"Barbara Thurston, will you be quiet and tell me what has happened toyou?" Ruth insisted. "You haven't lost your wits, have you, child?"

"No, I have found them, " Bab declared. "More wits than I ever dreamed Ihad. Now, Ruth, don't be cross with me because I never confided this toyou before. But I have not told a single person until to-day, not evenMother or Mollie. Months before I came to Washington, just before schoolcommenced, I saw a notice in a newspaper, saying that a prize would begiven for a short story written by a schoolgirl between the ages ofsixteen and eighteen. So, up in the little attic at Laurel Cottage, Iwrote a story. I worked on it for days and days, and then I sent it offto the publisher. I was ashamed to tell any one that I had written it, and never dreamed I should hear of it again. But now I have won the prizeof fifty dollars, "

Bab stood up on the bed waving her check in one hand and, holdingthe skirt of her blue kimono in the other, executed a few jubilantdance steps. 

"Oh, Barbara, I am so proud!" Ruth rejoined, looking fully as happy asBab. "Just think how clever you are! The fame of being an author is moredesirable than the money. I must tell Mollie and Grace all about it. "

[Illustration: "Oh, Ruth, I Am So Glad!"]

But Mollie and Grace had been attracted by the excitement in the nextroom, and now rushed in to hear the news. 

Mollie's eyes filled with tears as she embraced her sister. She knew howBab's fifty dollars must be used, and why her sister was so delightedwith her success. 

"What are you going to do with the fifty dollars, Bab?" Grace inquired. "I suppose you will put it away for your college money. "

Bab did not reply. She was already longing for a little time to herself, a pen, and ink and note paper. 

Harriet came in now with a message:

"Children, " she said, "it is time to dress for dinner. I have just had atelephone call from Father. He is going out of town to-night, but Mrs. Wilson is to stay with us. Father is not going until after dinner, andMrs. Wilson and Elmer and Peter Dillon will be here to dine with us. Sowe shall have rather a jolly party. You girls had better dress. "

Harriet's was at once informed of Bab's good luck, and in offeringBarbara her congratulations she forgot to tell the rest of her story. 

Harriet had asked her father to come home half an hour before his guestsarrived. She had almost persuaded herself to make a full confession ofher fault. But the tangle of circumstance was not to be so easilyunraveled. 

Before Bab went down to dinner she slipped over to her desk and indorsedthe check, put it in an envelope, and hid the envelope inside her dress. Her heart was lighter than it had been in weeks, for she believed her ownand Mollie's share in the Washington trouble was over. 

Mr. William Hamlin was late to dinner and his guests were compelled tohurry through the meal on his account, as he wished to catch a specialtrain out of the city. But they had a gay dinner party nevertheless andHarriet did not know whether she was sorry or glad that her confessionhad been delayed. 

After Mr. Hamlin had said good-bye to his visitors Harriet followed herfather out into the hall. She thought if she told him of her fault justbefore he went away his anger would have time to cool before he couldhave opportunity to do more than reproach her for her extravagance. 

"Father, " Harriet whispered timidly, "can't you wait a few minuteslonger? I told you there was something I had to tell you. "

Mr. Hamlin shook his head impatiently. "No, Harriet, this is not the timenor the place for confidences. I am in far too much of a hurry. If youwant to ask me for money I positively haven't any to give you. Now runon back to your guests. "

Harriet turned slowly away, and so Mr. Hamlin lost his chance to setmatters straight. 

Just before he went out the door, he called back to his daughter:

"Oh, Harriet, I have left the key to my strong box on my study table. Don't forget to put it away for me; it is most important that you do so, for I really have not time to turn back. "

During the entire evening Peter Dillon devoted himself exclusively toHarriet, and Bab was vastly relieved that he did not approach her. Shedecided that he fully understood that she did not consider the pledge ofthe faded rose-bud, binding. Mrs. Wilson had apparently forgotten Bab'srefusal of her request. She was as cordial to Barbara as she was toHarriet, or to any of the "Automobile Girls. "

It was after midnight when Mrs. Wilson told Elmer and Peter that theymust both go home. Bab's envelope was still tucked inside her dress. Shehad had no chance so far to give it to Mrs. Wilson. After Peter and Elmerhad gone, however, and the girls trooped upstairs to bed, laughing andchatting gayly, Bab found a chance to slip the troublesome envelope intoMrs. Wilson's hand. With a whispered, "In the envelope is a check for themoney I borrowed. I thank you so much for your kindness, " Bab ran downthe hall to her own room, feeling more at ease in her mind than she hadsince Mollie's confession. 

As for Harriet, she was so fully occupied with her guests that herfather's command to secure the key of his strong box, which he had lefton his study table, slipped from her mind and she retired without givingthe matter a second thought. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE WHITE VEIL

Long after every one had retired Ruth Stuart lay wide awake. Try as shemight, sleep refused to visit her eyelids. At last, after she had countedinnumerable sheep and was wider awake than ever, she resolved to go andwaken Bab. Ruth moved about in the dark carefully, in order not to arouseGrace, with whom she roomed, found her dressing-gown and slippers, andtip-toed softly into Barbara's room. She knew that Barbara would notresent being awakened even at that unseasonable hour. 

"Barbara, are you awake?" she whispered, coming up to Bab's bed andlaying a gentle hand on her friend's face. "I want to talk with youand I am so thirsty. Won't you come downstairs with me to get a drinkof water?"

Bab turned over sleepily and yawned: "Isn't there always some water inthe hall, Ruth? I am so tired I can't wake up, " she declared. 

But Ruth gave her another shake. Barbara crawled slowly out of bed, whileRuth found her bedroom slippers and wrapped her in her warm bathrobe. Then both girls stole softly out into the dark hall. 

At the head of the stairs there was a broad landing. On this landing, just under a stained glass window, there was a leather couch and a table, which always held a pitcher of drinking water. On the window ledge theservants were required to keep a candle, so that anyone who wished to doso might find his way downstairs at night, without difficulty. 

The two girls made their way slowly to this spot, and Bab felt along thesill for the candle. It was not in its accustomed place. 

"I can't find the candle, Ruth, " Bab whispered. "But you know where tofind the water. Just fumble until you get hold of the pitcher. "

"Won't you have a glass of water?" Ruth invited, pushing the tumblerunder Bab's very nose. Then the two girls began to giggle softly. 

"No, thank you, " Bab answered decidedly. "Come, thirsty maiden! Who tookme from my nice warm bed? Ruth Stuart! Let's go back upstairs and get tosleep again in a hurry. "

But for answer, Ruth drew Barbara down on the old leather couch in thecomplete darkness and put her arms about her. 

"Don't go back to bed, Bab. I'm not a bit sleepy. That's why I draggedyou out of bed. I couldn't go to sleep and I just had to have company. Bea nice Bab and let's sit here and exchange conversation. "

"All right, " Bab replied amiably, snuggling up closer to her friend. "Dear me, isn't it cold and dark and quiet out here!"

Ruth gave a faint shiver. Then both girls sat absolutely still withoutspeaking or moving--they had heard an unmistakable sound in the hallbelow them. The noise was so slight it could hardly be called a sound. Yet even this slight movement did not belong to the night and the silenceof the sleeping household. 

The sound was repeated. Then a stillness followed, more absolutethan before. 

"Is it a burglar, Bab?" Ruth breathed. 

Barbara's hand pressure meant they must listen and wait. "It may bepossible, " Bab thought, "that a dog or cat has somehow gotten into thehouse downstairs. "

At this, the girls left the sofa and, going over to the banister, peeredcautiously down into the darkness. 

This time the two girls saw a light that shone like a flame in thedarkness below. Quietly there floated into their line of vision somethingwhite, ethereal--perchance a spirit from another world. It vanished andthe blackness was again unbroken. The figure had seemed strangely tall. It appeared to swim along, rather than to walk, draperies as fine as misthanging about it. 

"What on earth was that, Barbara?" Ruth queried, more curious thanfrightened by the apparition. "If I believed in spirits I might think wehad just seen the ghost of Harriet's mother. Harriet's old black Mammyhas always said that Aunt Hattie comes back at night to guard Harriet, ifshe is in any special trouble or danger. "

"I suppose we had better go downstairs and find out what we have seen, "whispered more matter-of-fact Bab. "Mr. Hamlin is not here. I don't thinkthere is any sense in our arousing the family until we know somethingmore. I should not like to frighten Mrs. Wilson and Harriet for nothing. "

The two girls slipped downstairs without making a sound. Everything onthe lower floor seemed dark and quiet. Ruth and Bab both began to thinkthey had been haunted by a dream. They were on their way upstairs again, when Ruth suddenly turned and glanced behind her. 

"Bab, " she whispered, clutching at Barbara's bathrobe until that youngwoman nearly tumbled backwards down the steps, "there is a light inUncle's study! I suppose it is Harriet who is down there. "

It flashed across Bab's mind to wonder, oddly, if Harriet's visit to herfather's study at night could have anything to do with her debt to herdressmaker of five hundred dollars! For Mollie had reported to her sisterthat Harriet was feeling desperate over her unpleasant situation. 

"If it is Harriet downstairs I don't think we ought to go down, " Babobjected. "We would frighten her if we walked in on her so unexpectedly. "

"Harriet ought not to be alone downstairs, " Ruth insisted. "Uncle wouldnot like it. I am going to peep in on her, and then make her come onupstairs to bed. "

Ruth led the way, with Bab at her heels. But it occurred to Barbara thatthe midnight visitor to Mr. Hamlin's study might be some one other thanhis daughter. Bab did not know whether Mr. Hamlin kept any money in hisstrong box in the study. She and Ruth were both unarmed, and might beapproaching an unknown danger. Quick as a flash Bab arranged a littlescheme of defense. 

There were two old-fashioned square stools placed on opposite sides ofthe hall. Without a word to Ruth, who was intent on her errand, Bab drewout these two stools and placed them side by side in the immediate centreof the hall. Any one who tried to escape from the study would stumbleover these stools and at once alarm the household. Of course, if Bab andRuth found Harriet in her father's study Bab could warn them of her trap. 

"What shall we do, Bab?" Ruth asked when Barbara joined her. "The lightis still shining in the study. But I do not want to knock on the door; itwould frighten Harriet. And it would terrify her even more if we walkedright into the study out of this darkness. But we can't wait out here allnight. I am catching cold. "

Barbara did not reply. They were in a difficult situation. SupposeHarriet were in the study? They did not wish to frighten her. In case theveiled figure was not Harriet any speech of theirs would give theirpresence away. 

"I think we had better open the door quickly and rush in, " Ruth nowdecided. "Then Harriet can see at once who we are. "

Without waiting for further consultation with Bab, Ruth flung wide thestudy door. 

In the same instant the light in the room went out like a flash. 

"Harriet, is that you?" Ruth faltered. There was no answer, save someone's quick breathing. Ruth and Bab could both perceive that anabsolutely white figure was crouched in a corner of the room in the dark. 

Bab moved cautiously toward the spot where she knew an electric lightswung just above Mr. Hamlin's desk. But it was so dark that she had tomove her hand gropingly above her head, for a moment, in order to locatethe light. 

The veiled being in the corner must have guessed her motive. Like azephyr it floated past the two girls. So light and swift was its movementthat Bab's hand was arrested in its design. Surely a ghost, not a humancreature, had passed by them. 

The next sound that Ruth and Bab heard was not ghostlike. It was veryhuman. First came a crash, then a cry of terror and surprise. 

At the same moment Bab found the light she sought, turned it on, and Ruthrushed out into the hall. 

There on the floor Ruth discovered a jumble of stools and whitedraperies. And, shaking with the shock of her fall and forcedlaughter, was--not Harriet, but her guest, Mrs. Wilson! She had a longwhite chiffon veil over her head, a filmy shawl over her shoulders, and a white gown. With her white hair she made a very satisfactorypicture of a ghost. 

"My dear Mrs. Wilson!" cried Ruth, in horrified tones, "What has happenedto you? Were you walking in your sleep! Do let me help you up. I did notknow these stools were out here where you could stumble over them. "

Bab stood gravely looking on at the scene without expressing suchmarked surprise. 

Mrs. Wilson gave one curious, malignant glance at Bab, then she smiled:

"Help me up, children. I am fairly caught in my crime. "

Bab took hold of Mrs. Wilson by one arm, Ruth grasped her by the other, and they both struggled to lift her. Mrs. Wilson gave a slight groan asshe got fairly on her feet. Her right hand clutched Bab for addedsupport. In falling over the stools Mrs. Wilson had given her knee asevere wrench. 

At the moment she staggered, Barbara saw a large, oblong envelope fall tothe floor from under Mrs. Wilson's soft white draperies. 

"What is the trouble?" called Harriet, Mollie and Grace, poking theirthree sleepy heads over the banisters. 

At this interruption Bab stooped down and quickly caught up the envelope, while Mrs. Wilson's attention was distracted by the three girls who wererapidly descending the steps. 

"Mrs. Wilson came downstairs for something, " Ruth explained in her quiet, well-bred fashion. "Bab and I heard a noise and, as we did not recognizeher, we followed her. We frightened Mrs. Wilson so that she stumbled overthese stools out in the hall. I am afraid she is a little hurt. I thinkyou had better call the servants, Harriet. "

Ruth did not, for an instant, let the surprise she felt at Mrs. Wilson'sextraordinary conduct appear in her voice. 

"No, don't call any of the servants to-night, Harriet, " Mrs. Wilsondemurred. "I am all right now. I owe you children an apology for myconduct to-night and also an explanation. But I think I can explaineverything much more satisfactorily if we wait until morning. I thinkMiss Thurston already understands my escapade. I have taken her into myconfidence. "

Mrs. Wilson directed at Barbara a glance so compelling that it wasalmost hypnotic. 

Bab did not return her look or make any answer. 

A little while later Barbara disappeared. She went back alone to Mr. Hamlin's study. On top of his desk she discovered a box about a foot anda half long. It had been opened and a key was lying beside it on thedesk. Barbara could see that there was no money in the box, only acollection of papers. Bab returned the long envelope, which she had foundat Mrs. Wilson's feet in the hall to its place, turned the key in thelock of the box, and then carried the key upstairs, intending to hand itover to Harriet. But Bab did not know whether or not she ought to explainto Harriet how she had come by the key. 

Harriet was in the room with Mrs. Wilson, seeing her guest to bed for thesecond time, when Barbara went upstairs. Bab had no desire to face Mrs. Wilson again that night. The distrust of the woman that was deepening inthe girl's mind was too great to conceal. 

"Come into my room in the morning before breakfast, Harriet, dear, " Mrs. Wilson entreated, as she kissed her young hostess good night. "I know youwill forgive my foolishness, when I have had a little talk with you. Itis too late now for explanations. "

It was between two and three o'clock in the morning before the householdof the Assistant Secretary of State again settled itself to sleep. Underher pillow Barbara Thurston had the key to Mr. William Hamlin's strongbox, in which valuable state papers were sometimes temporarily placed. 

CHAPTER XVIII

A TANGLED WEB OF CIRCUMSTANCE

Harriet Hamlin spent half an hour in the room with Mrs. Wilson before shecame down to the breakfast table the next morning. 

"It is all right, girls, " she announced promptly, as soon as the maidleft the room. "Mrs. Wilson is going to have her breakfast in bed. She isa little upset by the happenings of last night. But she has explainedeverything to me. For some time, Mrs. Wilson has been trying to play ajoke on Father, and last night she made another attempt. I promised hernone of us would mention to him what had occurred. Will you give me yourword, all of you, not to tell?"

"Certainly, Harriet, " Ruth agreed seriously. The other three "AutomobileGirls" quietly nodded their heads. 

"I don't know that I quite approve of Mrs. Wilson's method of practicaljoking, " Harriet went on. "She frightened all of us. But then, if no onehad discovered her, no harm would have been done. "

Mollie and Grace gazed at Harriet, without trying to conceal theirsurprise, but Ruth and Bab only looked steadfastly at their plates. 

"Father is so strict and good all the time, I just wish somebody wouldplay a trick on him, " Harriet went on angrily. She was annoyed at theattitude of the "Automobile Girls, " and she was still smarting under thehurt of her father's speech the night before. As long as her father hadrefused her money before she had even asked him for it, Harriet haddecided that it would be worse than useless to appeal to him again. Shewas now waiting for disaster to break over her head. 

"Mrs. Wilson rather blames you, Barbara, " Harriet continued. "She saysshe did not succeed in her joke, after all, because you came downstairs at the wrong time and foiled the whole thing. She could not findthe silly old paper she needed. But do please be quiet as mice aboutthe whole affair. Don't mention it before the servants. Father will behome to-night. Will you girls mind excusing me for the day, and findingsome way of amusing yourselves? I have promised Mrs. Wilson to go homewith her. "

"Of course we can get along, Harriet, " Grace replied. "I hope you willhave a good time. "

Bab made no answer to Harriet's report of Mrs. Wilson's attitude towardher. But she was convinced that Mrs. Wilson knew she had discovered thestolen paper and returned it to its rightful place. 

The "Automobile Girls" did not see Harriet again that morning. 

At noon a message was sent upstairs. Mr. William Hamlin had returned andwished to see his daughter at once. When he learned that Harriet was notat home, he immediately sent for Ruth. 

"Ruth, I have come home sooner than I had planned, " he declared, "And Iwish to have a talk with you. Now, please keep your self-control. Girlsand women have such a fashion of flying into a rage at the first word onesays, that it is perfectly impossible to have any reasonable conversationwith them. I wish to talk with you quite quietly and calmly. "

"Very well, Uncle, " Ruth replied, meekly enough, though she was far fromfeeling meek. She could readily understand why Harriet had found itimpossible to make a confidant of her father. 

"I am glad you are so sensible, Ruth, " Mr. Hamlin went on. "For I havereason to believe that your friend, Barbara Thurston, has proved herselfan undesirable guest, since her arrival in Washington, which I very muchdeplore. She is dishonorable, for she has secretly entered my study andbeen seen handling my papers, and she has contracted a debt; for I sawthe check by means of which she returned the borrowed money to Mrs. Wilson. I cannot understand how you and your father have managed to be sodeceived by the young woman. "

"Stop, Uncle William, " Ruth interrupted hotly. "I cannot, of course, tellyou that the things which you say are untrue. But at least I have theright to say that I positively know you are wrong. I shall ask Barbara tocome down to your study, at once, to deny these charges. Then we shall gohome immediately. "

"There, Ruth, I expected it, " Mr. Hamlin answered testily. "Just as Isaid. You have gone off the handle at once. Of course your young friendmay have some plausible explanation for her actions. But I will not beguilty of making any accusations against a guest in my own house underany circumstances. I have only mentioned these facts to you because Ifeel that it is my positive duty to warn you against this girl, whom youhave chosen for your most intimate friend. It is impossible that I havebeen deceived in regard to her. I have positive proof of what I say, andI sadly fear she is a very headstrong and misguided girl. "

Ruth was already crying from anger, which made it hard for her to answerher uncle's speech. "You certainly don't object to my telling Barbara ofyour accusations, Uncle William?" Ruth demanded. "I think it is onlyfair to her. "

"Not while she is in my house. You are to tell her nothing, " Mr. Hamlinordered. "When Miss Thurston leaves you may tell her whatever you wish. But I will not have a scene with her while she is staying here. "

Mr. Hamlin was a cold, selfish and arrogant man. He well deserved theblow to his pride that he was to receive later. 

Ruth controlled herself in order to think deeply and quietly. Her fatherwas wise in his trust in her. Ruth had excellent judgment and goodsense. She was not particularly impressed by her uncle's command. Shefelt that she had a perfect right to tell her friend of what she hadbeen accused. Yet would it be a good idea? Barbara would beheart-broken, and nothing would induce her to remain in Mr. Hamlin'shouse another hour after she learned his opinion of her. Ruth knew itwould not be well for Bab to rush off home in sudden anger, leaving afalse impression behind her. Barbara must stay in Mr. Hamlin's houseuntil he himself apologized to her. 

Ruth did not dare to go back upstairs to the other girls immediatelyafter her interview with her uncle. She knew her friends would recognizeat once, from her red eyes and her excitement, that something was thematter. Yet Ruth longed for a confidant, and she meant to unburdenherself to Grace as soon as she had the opportunity. To go upstairs nowwould reveal everything to Mollie and Barbara as well. 

Ruth seized her coat and hat from a closet in the hall and rushed outinto the street. She began walking as rapidly as she could, to let thefresh air cool the tumult of feeling that was surging within her. Ruthmust have walked a mile before she determined what to do. Before shereturned to Mr. Hamlin's house, she found a telegraph office and wentinto it. She sent a telegram to her father in Chicago, which read:

"Come to Washington as soon as possible. Bab wrongly suspected. She isstill in ignorance, but we need you. 

"Ruth Stuart. "

Little did Ruth yet dream why these toils were being wound aboutunhappy Barbara. Mollie's one act of weakness had involved her sister ina number of actions that did look wrong to an outsider. Yet theexplanation of them was so simple, if Bab had only known it were best forher to tell the whole story! But Barbara was trying to shield Mollie, andMollie did not dream that Bab would suffer any consequences from herfoolish deed. So Bab's peculiar proceedings since her arrival inWashington had indeed played well into the hands of her enemies. Mr. Hamlin's mind had been poisoned against her. She had been seen to doseveral underhanded things, one following directly after the other. If abig game were being attempted, the reputation of Barbara Thurston was oflittle account. Besides Bab had already blocked several of the players inthe game. Revenge could very well enter into the present scheme ofthings, and a girl who had no one to defend her might prove a usefultool. As a last resort she could be made a scapegoat. 

In the meanwhile, Barbara was blissfully unconscious of any trouble, andwent singing cheerily about her room that morning. Since the delivery ofher check to Mrs. Wilson it seemed to her that the skies were blue again. During the rest of her stay in Washington Bab meant just to enjoy thebeautiful sights of the wonderful city and not to trouble about thedisagreeable people. She did intend to ask Harriet to take her to see thecunning little Chinese girl, Wee Tu, before she went home, but she had noother very definite desires. 

As for Mrs. Wilson? Barbara had just wisely decided that the womanbelonged to a curious type, which she did not understand and wished tokeep away from. Bab did not admire Mrs. Wilson's methods of playingjokes. On the other hand it was none of Barbara Thurston's business. Solong as she had put the paper back in Mr. Hamlin's strong box no harm hadbeen done. 

Barbara still had in her possession the key to that strong box. She hadneglected to give it to Harriet, because Harriet had left home so soonafter breakfast. And now that very terrifying person, Mr. WilliamHamlin, had returned home, and Barbara Thurston still had the key in herpossession. Even Ruth had gone out. What should she do? She decided tokeep the key until Harriet came back in the afternoon. Then Harriet couldmake some sort of explanation to her father. Barbara simply did not havethe courage to tell Mr. Hamlin that she had discovered Mrs. Wilsontampering with his papers, and that it was she who had found the stolenpaper and locked it up again. 

However, fate was certainly against Bab at the present time. Aservant knocked at the door of the next room, where Grace and Molliewere reading. 

"Please, " the maid said, "Mr. Hamlin wants to know if Miss Harrietleft a key with you? It is a most important key, and Mr. Hamlin needsit at once. "

Grace and Mollie both shook their heads. No; Harriet had mentioned nosuch key to them. 

Barbara was waiting in the next room with the door open. She knew herturn would come next. 

"Do you know anything of the key, Miss Barbara?" Harriet's maid inquired. 

Of course Bab blushed. She always did at the wrong time. 

"Yes, I have the key, Mary, " she replied. "Wait a minute, I will getit for you. "

"Do the young ladies know anything of my key?" Mr. William Hamlin'simpatient voice was heard just outside Barbara's door. 

Innocently the maid opened it. "Wait a minute, Mr. Hamlin, please. MissThurston says she has the key. She is getting it for you now. "

And Barbara had to come to the door herself to present the key to thisdreadful old "Bluebeard. "

"I presume my daughter left my key in your charge, " Mr. Hamlinasked coldly. 

"No, " she declared almost under her breath, hoping her stern host wouldeither not hear her, or at least not heed her. "Harriet did not leaveit with me. "

"Then kindly tell me how my key came into your possession?" Mr. Hamlininquired, in chilling, even tones. Bab shivered. 

"I found it, " Bab answered lamely, having it in mind to tell the wholestrange story of last night's experience. But she was too frightened byMr. Hamlin's manner and by the fear that she would be regarded as atelltale by Harriet. If Mr. Hamlin's own daughter had not considered herguest's actions unusual, it was not exactly Bab's place to report them. So she remained silent, and her host also turned away in silence. 

Harriet did not come home until just before dinner time. She told the"Automobile Girls" she had spent a delightful day, but her behavior wasunusual. She looked frightened, though at the same time happier than shehad seemed since the hour she had received the first threatening letterfrom her dressmaker. 

Peter Dillon had walked home with Harriet. Barbara, who happened to bestanding at the front window, saw them stop to talk for a moment at thedoor before Peter said good-bye. Peter was making himself very charmingto Harriet. He was talking to her in his half laughing, half earnestfashion in the very manner that had seemed so attractive to Bab, too, at first. But it was a manner she had learned later on to distrust andeven to fear. 

When Harriet parted from Peter Dillon she nodded her head emphaticallyand apparently made him a promise, and Barbara saw Peter look back at herwith a peculiar smile as she ascended the steps. 

CHAPTER XIX

HARRIET IN DANGER

Harriet Hamlin was restless and nervous all the next day. Even Mr. Hamlin, noticing his daughter's nervous manner at luncheon, suggestedthat she take her friends out to pay some calls. So Bab put forth herplea that she wished to make another visit to the home of the Chineseminister. As the girls had not yet paid their luncheon call at theembassy Harriet agreed to take them to see Wee Tu. Before she left thehouse Harriet called up her dressmaker and had a long confidential talkwith her over the telephone. She seemed in better spirits afterwards. 

The Chinese minister's wife, Lady Tu, was receiving. As there were no menin the drawing-room, her daughter, Wee Tu, sat among the young girls asquiet and demure as a picture on a fan. 

Bab managed to persuade the little girl into a corner to have a quietchat with her. But Miss Wee Tu was difficult to draw out. Across theroom, Harriet Hamlin chanced to mention the name of Peter Dillon. Atonce the little Chinese girl's expression changed. The change was veryslight. Hardly a shade of emotion crossed her unexpressive, Orientalface, but curious Barbara was watching for that very change. Sheremembered the young girl had been affected by Peter's appearance duringtheir former visit. 

"Do you like Mr. Dillon?" inquired Bab. She had no excuse for herquestion except her own wilful curiosity. 

But Wee Tu was not to be caught napping. 

"Lige?" she answered, with a soft rising inflection that made the "k" in"like" sound as "g. " "I do not know what Americans mean by theword--'Lige. ' You 'lige' so many people. A Chinese girl 'liges' only afew--her parents, her relatives; sometimes she 'liges' her husband, butnot always. "

"Don't like your husband!" exclaimed Bab in surprise. "Why, what doyou mean?"

The little Chinese maiden was confused both by the American word and theAmerican idea. 

"The Chinese girl has respect for her husband; she does what he tells herto do, but she does not all the time 'lige' him, because her father haschosen him for her husband. I shall marry a prince, when I go back toChina, but he is 'verra' old. "

"Oh, I see!" Bab rejoined. "You thought I meant 'love' when I said'like. ' It is quite different to love a person. " Bab smiled wisely. "Tolove is to like a great deal. "

"Then I love this Mr. Peter Dillon, " said the Chinese girl sweetly. 

Bab gasped in shocked surprise. 

"It is most improper that I say so, is it not?" smiled Miss Wee Tu. "Butso many things that American girls do seem improper to Chinese ladies. And I do like this Mr. Peter very much. He comes always to our house. Heis 'verra' intimate with my father. He talks to him a long, long time andthey have Chinese secrets together. Then he talks with me so that I canunderstand him. Many people will not trouble with a Chinese girl, who isonly fifteen, even if her father is a minister. "

Barbara was overwhelmed with Wee Tu's confidence, but she knew shedeserved it as a punishment for her curiosity. The strangest thing wasthat the young Chinese girl spoke in a low, even voice, without the leastchange of expression in her long, almond eyes. Any one watching her wouldhave thought she was talking of the weather. 

"I go back to China when my father's time in the United States is overand then I get married. It makes no difference. But while I am in yourcountry I play I am free, like an American girl, and I do what I likeinside my own head. "

"It's very wrong, " Barbara argued hastily. "It is much better to trust toyour parents. "

"Yes?" answered Wee Tu quietly. Bab was vexed that Peter Dillon'scareless Irish manners had also charmed this little Oriental maiden. ButBab was wise enough to understand that Wee Tu's interest was only that ofa child who was grateful to the young man for his kindness. 

Barbara rose to join her friends, who were at this moment saying good-byeto their hostess. 

"It is the Chinese custom, " Lady Tu remarked graciously, "to make littlepresents to our guests. Will not Mr. Hamlin's daughter and her fourfriends receive these poor offerings?"

A servant handed the girls five beautiful, carved tortoise shell boxes, containing exquisite sets of combs for their hair, the half dozen or morethat Chinese women wear. 

"I felt ashamed of my wind-blown hair when Lady Tu presented us withthese combs, " Grace exclaimed, just before the little party reached home. They had paid a dozen more calls since their visit to the ChineseEmbassy. "I suppose Chinese women are shocked at the way American girlswear their hair. "

"Yes, but we can't take three hours to fix ours, " laughed Mollie, runningup the steps of the Hamlin house. In the front hall Mollie spied animmense box of roses. They were for Harriet. Harriet picked up the boxlanguidly and started upstairs. She had talked very little during theafternoon, and had seemed unlike herself. 

"Aren't you going to open your flowers, Harriet?" Mollie pleaded. "I amcrazy to see them. "

"I'll open them if it pleases you, Mollie, " Harriet returned gently. Thegreat box was crowded with long-stemmed American beauties and violets. 

"Have some posies, girls?" Harriet said generously, holding out her armsfilled with flowers. For a long time afterwards the "Automobile Girls"remembered how beautiful Harriet looked as she stood there, her face verypale, her black hair and hat outlined against the dark oak woodwork withthe great bunch of American beauties in her arms. 

"Of course we don't want your posies, Lady Harriet, " Mollie answeredaffectionately. "Here is the note to tell you who sent them to you. " ButHarriet went on to her room without showing enough interest in her giftto open the letter. 

After dinner Harriet complained of a headache, and went immediately toher room. The "Automobile Girls" were going out to a theater party, whichwas being given in their honor by their old friends, Mrs. Post and Hugh. Harriet sent word she would have to be excused. When Ruth put her headinto Harriet's room to say good-bye, just before she started for thetheater, she thought she heard her cousin crying. 

"Harriet, dear, do let me stay with you, " Ruth pleaded. "I am afraid youare feeling worse than you will let us know. "

But Harriet insisted that she desired only to be left alone. Feelingstrangely unhappy about her cousin, Ruth, at last joined thetheater party. 

Mr. Hamlin did not leave the house immediately after dinner, although hehad an engagement to spend the evening at the home of Mrs. Wilson. Shehad asked him, only that morning, to come. Mr. Hamlin was also troubledabout his daughter. He had not been so unobservant that he had not seenthe change in her. She was less animated, less talkative. Mr. Hamlinfeared Harriet was not well. Though he was stern and unsympathetic withHarriet, he was genuinely frightened if she were in the least ill. 

So it was with unusual gentleness that he tapped lightly onHarriet's door. 

"I am all right, Mary, thank you, " Harriet replied, believing her maidto be outside. "Go to bed whenever you please. I shall fall asleepafter a while. "

Mr. Hamlin cleared his throat and Harriet started nervously. Why was herfather standing outside her door? Had he learned of her bill to herdressmaker?

"I do not wish to disturb you, Harriet, " Mr. Hamlin began awkwardly. "Ionly desired to know if I could do anything for you. "

"No, Father, " poor Harriet replied wearily. As Mr. Hamlin turned away, she sprang up and started to run after him. At her own door she stopped. She heard her father's stern voice giving an order to a servant, and hersudden resolution died within her. A few moments later the front doorclosed behind him and her opportunity had passed. 

An hour afterwards, when the house was quiet and the servants nowhereabout, Harriet Hamlin slipped cautiously downstairs. She was gone only afew minutes. But when she came back to her own room, she opened a privatedrawer in her bureau and hid something in it. Harriet then threw herselfon her bed and lay for a long time with her eyes wide open, staringstraight ahead of her. 

Just before midnight, when she heard the gay voices of her friendsreturning from the theater, and when Ruth tripped softly to her bedroom, Harriet lay with closed eyes, apparently fast asleep. 

The next morning Harriet was really ill. Her hand trembled so while shepoured the breakfast coffee that she spilled some of it on thetablecloth. When Mr. Hamlin spoke to her sharply she burst into tears andleft the room, leaving her father ashamed of himself, and the "AutomobileGirls" so embarrassed that they ate the rest of their breakfast inpainful silence. Ruth did dart one indignant glance at her uncle, whichMr. Hamlin saw, but did not in his heart resent. 

Harriet was willing, that morning, to have Ruth come into her darkenedbedroom and sit by her bed. For Harriet's wakeful night had left herslightly feverish. 

"I don't want to disturb you, Harriet, " Bab apologized, coming softly tothe door. "But some one has just telephoned for you. The person at thetelephone has a message for you, but whoever it is refuses to give hisname. What shall I do!"

Harriet sat up in bed, quickly, a hunted expression on her beautifulface. "Tell Mr. Peter Dillon that I will keep my word, " Harriet answeredangrily. "He is not to worry about me again. "

"Is that your message?" Bab queried wonderingly. "It was not Mr. Dillon's voice. "

Harriet laughed hysterically. "Of course not!" she returned. "Oh, I knowyou girls are wondering why I am behaving so strangely. And I ambreaking my word to tell you. But I must tell some one. I don't carewhat Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon say, I know I can trust you. I havedecided to help Mrs. Wilson and Peter play their silly joke on Fatherand the State Department! Oh, you needn't look so horrified, girls. Itis only a joke. The papers are about some Chinese business. I have themhid in my bureau drawer. "

Harriet nodded toward her dressing-table, while Ruth and Bab stoodlooking at each other, speechless with horror, the same idea growing intheir minds. 

"When Father comes to look for his stupid papers he'll find them gone, and, of course, will think he has misplaced them, " Harriet continued. "Hewill be dreadfully worried for a little while; then Mrs. Wilson willreturn the papers to me and I will slip them back in their old place, andFather will never know what has happened. Mrs. Wilson and Peter havevowed they will never betray me, and I have promised not to betray them. If I were to be caught, I suppose Father would never forgive me. But I'lltake good care that he doesn't find out about it. "

"Harriet, do please give up this foolish plan!" Ruth entreated earnestly. "I know you are doing something wrong. Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Dillon bothknow that Uncle William's papers are too valuable to be played with. Why, they belong to the United States Government, not to him! Harriet, Iimplore you, do not touch your father's papers!"

Harriet shook her head obstinately. She was absolutely adamant. Ruthpleaded, scolded, in vain. Bab did not say a word nor enter a protest. She was too frightened. All of a sudden a veil had been rent asunder. Nowshe believed she understood what Peter Dillon and Mrs. Wilson had plannedfrom the beginning. They were spies in the service of some higher power. The papers that Harriet thought were to be used for a joke on her fatherwere really to be sold! Was not some state secret to be betrayed? Eversince Bab's arrival in Washington it had looked as though Peter Dillonand Mrs. Wilson had been working toward this very end. Having failed withher they had turned their attention to poor Harriet. But Mrs. Wilson andPeter Dillon must be only hired tools! Shrewdly Barbara Thurston recalledher recent conversation with innocent Wee Tu: "Mr. Dillon and my father, they have Chinese secrets together. " Could a certain distinguished andwisely silent Oriental gentleman be responsible for the thrilling dramaabout to be enacted? Bab was never to know positively, and she wiselykept her suspicion to herself. 

"I do wish, Ruth, you and Bab would go away and leave me alone, " Harrietprotested. "I shall be well enough to get up for luncheon, if you willlet me take a nap. I don't see any harm in playing this joke on Father. At any rate, I have quite made up my mind to go through with my part init and I won't give up my plan. You can tell Father if you choose, ofcourse. I cannot prevent that. I know I was foolish to have confided inyou. But, unless you are despicable tale bearers, the papers in my bureaudrawer will go out of this house in a few hours! I don't see any harm intheir disappearing for a little while. Father will have them back in afew days. Please go!"

Yet with all Harriet's air of bravado, however, there was one point inher story which she did not mention. In return for her delivery ofcertain of her father's state papers Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon hadpromised to advance to Harriet the five hundred dollars necessary to payher dressmaker. Harriet had agreed only to receive it as a loan. And shetried to comfort herself with the idea that her friends were only doingher a kindness in exchange for the favor she was to do for them. Still, the thought of the money worried Harriet. But how else was she to besaved from the weight of her stern father's displeasure?

CHAPTER XX

FOILED!

At Harriet's request Bab and Ruth went silently out of her room, theirfaces white and frightened. 

"Ruth, is there any place where we can be alone?" Barbara whisperedfaintly. "I must talk with you. "

Ruth nodded, and the two friends found their way into the library, turning the key in the lock. Then they stood facing each other, speechless, for a moment, from the very intensity of their feelings. 

"Ruth, you must do something, " Bab entreated. "The papers that Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Dillon are making Harriet get for them they do not intendto use for a joke. Oh, Ruth, they are no doubt important state papers!Harriet may be betraying her country and ruining her father by placingthese papers in their hands. "

"I think, too, that Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon are spies, " Ruthreturned more quietly. "And, of course, we must do something to preventtheir getting their hands on the papers. "

"But what can we do?" Barbara demanded sharply. "We cannot tell Mr. Hamlin of Harriet's deed. It would be too cruel of us. Nor can weconfront Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon with the accusation. They wouldonly laugh at us, and declare that we were mad to have imagined any suchthing. Then, again, we would be betraying Harriet's confidence. We do notknow just what state papers Harriet is to give to them, but they must bevery, very valuable. I suppose those dreadful people will have the paperscopied, sell our country's secret, and return the papers to Harriet whenall the mischief has been done. Ruth, I believe, now, that Mrs. Wilsonand Peter Dillon both meant to make me steal Mr. Hamlin's papers. Thenthey would have declared I had sold them to some one. And Mr. Hamlinwould never have suspected his friends. Now, they think poor Harriet willbe too much afraid to betray them. "

Bab's voice trembled slightly. She realized how nearly she had been thedupe of these two clever schemers. She felt that she and Ruth must saveHarriet at all events. 

"Mrs. Wilson tried to steal Mr. Hamlin's papers the night she masqueradedas a ghost, " Barbara continued. "I picked up the envelope she dropped onthe floor in the hall. "

"I know it, Barbara, " Ruth answered in her self-controlled fashion, which always had a calming effect on the more impetuous Bab. "I alsobelieve Mrs. Wilson meant to fix the guilt of the theft upon you. UncleWilliam called me into his study the other day and asked me if Iconsidered you trustworthy. Of course I was awfully indignant and toldhim just what I thought of him for being so suspicious. But I believeMrs. Wilson had tried to poison his mind against you. You must be onyour guard now, Bab, dear. If Harriet gives up these papers of Uncle'sthe plotters may still try to use you as their scapegoat. When Unclefinds his papers have disappeared Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Dillon will, ofcourse, appear to know nothing of them; but they will somehow try todirect suspicion against you, trusting to Harriet's cowardice. Don't youworry though, Bab, dear. You shall not suffer for Harriet's fault whileI am here. "

"Oh, I am not worrying about myself, Ruth, " Bab answered. "It isHarriet's part in the affair that troubles me. Do, please, go to Harrietand talk to her again. Surely you can make her see the risk she isrunning. Do you suppose it would do any good if I were to call on Mrs. Wilson? I could just pretend I still thought she meant to play the jokeon Mr. Hamlin. You know she told me she intended to do so. I could begher to give it up without mentioning Harriet's name or letting Mrs. Wilson guess that Harriet had confided in us. "

Ruth shook her head. "It would not do any good for you to go to Mrs. Wilson, Bab. And, somehow, I am afraid for you. We do not know how muchfurther they intend to involve you in their plot. "

"Oh, they won't do me any harm, now, " Barbara rejoined. "Anyhow, I amwilling to take the risk, if Harriet will not give in. "

"Just wait here, Bab, until I have been to see Harriet again, " Ruthentreated. "I will go down on my knees to her, if I can persuade her togive up this wicked deed. Oh, why is she so determined to be so recklessand so foolish?"

Fifteen minutes afterwards Ruth came back from her second interview withHarriet, looking utterly discouraged. "Harriet simply won't give up, "Ruth reported to Bab. "She is absolutely determined to go her own way, and she is angry with me for interfering. Oh, Bab, what will happen?Uncle is so proud! If his daughter is known to have given Mrs. Wilson andPeter Dillon state papers, the report will be circulated that she stolethem, and Uncle William will be disgraced. Then, what will become ofHarriet? She does not intend to do wrong. But I simply can't make hersee this thing as we see it. So what can we do?" Unusuallyself-contained, Ruth broke down, now, weeping on Bab's shoulder. Thethought of the dreadful disgrace to her uncle and her cousin was morethan she could face. 

"I am going to see Mrs. Wilson, Ruth, " Bab declared. "You had betterstay here and do your best with Harriet. The papers are not to bedelivered until four this afternoon, when, I believe, Harriet is to meetPeter Dillon. Of course it was he who telephoned Harriet, only he wasclever enough to disguise his voice. So we have until afternoon to work. Don't worry yourself sick. We simply must save Harriet in some way. Idon't pretend that I see the way clearly yet, but I have faith that itwill come. I cannot do any harm by going to Mrs. Wilson, and I may dosome good. "

"I don't like you to go there alone, Bab, " Ruth faltered. "But I don'tdare to leave Harriet by herself. She might find a way to give up thepapers while we were out, and then all would be lost!"

When Bab rang the bell at the door of Mrs. Wilson's home she did not knowthat her approach had been watched. She meant to be very careful duringher interview, for she realized that she and Ruth were endeavoring tofoil two brilliant and unscrupulous enemies. 

Mrs. Wilson and Peter were in the library, and through the window Mrs. Wilson had watched Bab approaching the house. 

"Here comes that tiresome Thurston girl, whom you were going to use asyour tool, Peter, " teased Mrs. Wilson. "She wasn't so easy to manage asyou thought, was she? Never mind; she will still be used as ourscapegoat. But I shall not see her this morning. What's the use?"

"Let her come in, by all means, Mrs. Wilson, " Peter Dillon urged. "Ishall hide so that she will not see me. What would fall in with our plansbetter than to have this girl come here to-day! Who knows how this visitmay be made to count against her? Of course, if suspicion never points tous we had best never mention the name of Barbara Thurston. But--if Mr. Hamlin ever questions you, why not say Miss Thurston came here to-day andbetrayed the fact to you that she had stolen Mr. Hamlin's papers? We havecircumstantial evidence enough against her. "

Bab found Mrs. Wilson very much surprised to see her, and looking verylanguid and bored. 

Straightforward Barbara rushed headlong into her request. 

"Really, Miss Thurston, don't you think you are rather impertinent?"drawled her hostess, when Bab finished. "I don't see what business it isof yours whether or not I wish to play a joke on my friend, Mr. Hamlin. Don't try to get out of mischief by reporting to Mr. Hamlin the story ofmy poor little joke. You can hardly save yourself by any such method. Noone will believe you. And I have an idea that you came to my houseto-day for a very different purpose than to persuade me to give up myjoke. What was it?"

Bab was mystified. She had no idea how Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon hadplanned to use her visit as evidence against her, so it was impossiblefor her to understand Mrs. Wilson's insinuation. 

Barbara did not stay long. She saw Mrs. Wilson had no intention of beingpersuaded from her design. Even though the woman was beginning to seethat Bab and Ruth were a little suspicious of her, she had no idea ofbeing frightened from her deep-laid scheme by two insignificantschoolgirls. 

Barbara hurried to her car as fast as she could, anxious to get back toRuth and to devise some other move to checkmate the traitors. She evenhoped, against hope, that Harriet had been induced to change her mind andthat all would yet be well. But as Bab jumped aboard her car she sawanother girl, running down the street, waving something in the air andevidently trying to induce Bab's street car to wait for her. Barbarabegged the conductor to hold the car for a moment, before she recognizedthe figure, running toward them. But the next second she beheld theever-present newspaper girl, Marjorie Moore, tablet and pencil in hand, completely out of breath and exhausted. Marjorie Moore could not speakfor some time after she had secured a seat next Bab in the car. 

"I have been watching Mrs. Wilson's house since eight o'clock thismorning, " she finally gasped. "What on earth made you go in there?"

"I can't tell you, " Bab returned coldly. Not for anything in the worldwould she have Marjorie Moore suspect what she and Ruth feared. 

Miss Moore gave a little, half amused, half sarcastic laugh. "You can'ttell? Oh, never mind, my dear. I know you are all right. You weren'tdoing anything wrong. I expect you were trying to help set mattersstraight. You don't need to tell me anything. I think I know all that isnecessary. Good-bye now. I must get off this car at the corner. Let metell you, however, not to worry, whatever happens. I am in possession ofall the facts, so there will be no trouble in proving them. But ifanything disagreeable happens to you, " Marjorie Moore gave Bab areassuring smile, "telephone me, will you? My number is 1607, Union. "

Marjorie Moore rushed out of the street car as hurriedly as she hadentered it, before Bab could take in what she had said. 

Barbara puzzled all the rest of the way home. Could it be possible thatMarjorie Moore had discovered Mrs. Wilson's and Peter's plot? Could shealso have guessed Harriet's part in it? Bab shuddered, for she rememberedthe newspaper girl's words to her on the night of their first meeting:"If ever I have a chance to get even with Harriet Hamlin, won't I take myrevenge?" Did Marjorie Moore also suspect that an effort would be made todraw Barbara into this whirlpool of disgrace?

No one ate any luncheon at the home of the Assistant Secretary of State, except Mollie and Grace. Fortunately Mr. Hamlin did not return home. Ruthand Bab had decided not to tell the other two "Automobile Girls" of theirterrible uneasiness unless they actually needed the help of the youngergirls to save the situation. Ruth and Bab did not wish to prejudiceMollie and Grace against Harriet if it were possible to spare her. ButRuth had told Bab that, at four o'clock, Harriet was determined todeliver the papers to Peter Dillon. 

At two o'clock, however, the two friends had found no way to influenceHarriet to give up her mad project. Indeed, Harriet scarcely spoke toeither of them, she was so bitterly angry at what she termed theirinterference. 

At three o'clock, Ruth and Barbara grew desperate. For, at three, HarrietHamlin closed the door of her bedroom and commenced to dress for herengagement. 

"Try once again, Ruth, " Bab pleaded. "It is worse even than you know. Ibelieve Marjorie Moore suspects what Harriet is about to do. Suppose shepublishes the story in the morning papers. Tell Harriet I have a reasonfor thinking she knows about the affair. "

Bab waited apprehensively for Ruth's return. It seemed to her that, forthe first time in their adventures, the "Automobile Girls" had met witha situation that no amount of pluck or effort on their part couldcontrol. This was the most important experience of their whole lives, for their country was about to be betrayed! Once Barbara stamped herfoot in her impatience. How dared Harriet Hamlin be so willful, soheadstrong? Bab's face was white with anxiety and suspense. Her lipstwitched nervously. Then in a flash her whole expression changed. Thecolor came back to her cheeks, the light to her eyes. At the eleventhhour the way had been made clear. 

Ruth had no such look when she returned to Barbara. She flung herselfdespondently into a chair. "It's no use, " she declared despairingly. "Harriet must go her own way. We can do nothing with her!"

"Yes, we can!" Bab whispered. She leaned over and murmured something inRuth's ear. 

Ruth sprang to her feet. "Barbara Thurston, you are perfectly wonderful!"she cried. "Yes, I do know where it is. Go to my desk and take that blankpaper. It is just the right size. Fold it up in three parts. There, itwill do, now; give it to me. Now go and command Grace and Mollie, if theylove us, to call Harriet out of her room for a minute. We can explain tothem afterwards. "

Mollie and Grace feared Barbara had gone suddenly mad when she rushed inupon them with her demand. But Mollie did manage to persuade Harriet togo into the next room. As Harriet slipped out of her bedroom, her cousin, Ruth Stuart, stole into it, hiding something she held in her hand. Shewas alone in Harriet's room for not more than two minutes. 

At a quarter to four o'clock, Harriet Hamlin left her father's housewith a large envelope concealed inside her shopping bag. Oppositionhad merely strengthened Harriet's original resolution. She was nolonger frightened. Ruth and Bab were absurd to have been so tragic overa silly joke. 

At a little after four o'clock, in a quiet, out-of-the-way street inWashington, Harriet turned over to Peter Dillon this envelope, which, asshe supposed, contained the much-coveted papers which she had extractedfrom the private collection of the Assistant Secretary of State. 

Whatever the papers were, Peter Dillon took them carelessly with hisusual charming smile. But inwardly he was chanting a song of victory. Heand Mrs. Wilson would be many-thousands of dollars richer by this timeto-morrow. He glanced into the envelope with his near-sighted eyes. Thepapers were folded up inside and all was well! Peter did not dare, beforeHarriet, to be too interested in what the envelope contained. 

It would not have made him happier to have looked closer; the song ofvictory would have died away on his lips. For, instead of certain secretdocuments sent to the office of the Secretary of State, fromrepresentatives of the United States Government in China, Harriet Hamlinhad turned over to Peter Dillon an official envelope, which containedonly folded sheets of blank paper!

It had been Barbara's idea and Ruth had carried it out successfully. Inthe moment when Harriet left her room in answer to Mollie's call, Ruthhad exchanged the valuable state papers for the worthless ones. OnceHarriet was safely out of the way, she and Bab carried the preciousdocuments downstairs and shut them up in Mr. Hamlin's desk. Both girlshoped that all trouble was now averted, and that Mr. Hamlin would neverhear of Harriet's folly!

CHAPTER XXI

THE DISCOVERY

The members of the Hamlin household went early to their own roomsthat night. 

Ruth at once flung herself down on a couch without removing her clothing. In a few minutes she was fast asleep, for she believed their difficultieswere over. Bab did not feel as secure. She was still thinking of thespeech the newspaper girl had made to her in the car. 

At ten o'clock the Assistant Secretary of State, who was sitting alonein his study, heard a violent ringing of his telephone bell. He didnot know that, at this same instant, his daughter Harriet had creptdown to his study door intending to make a full confession of hermistakes to him. 

Mr. Hamlin picked up the receiver. "'The Washington News?' Yes. You havesomething important to say to me? Well, what is it?" Mr. Hamlin listenedquietly for a little while. Then Harriet heard him cry in a hoarse, unnatural voice: "Impossible! The thing is preposterous! Where did youever get hold of such an absurd idea?"

Harriet stopped to listen no longer. She never knew how she got backupstairs to her room. She half staggered, half fell up the steps. Suddenly she realized everything! She had been used as a tool by Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon. Ruth and Barbara had been right. She had stolenher father's state papers. A newspaper had gotten hold of the story andalready her father and she were disgraced. 

In the meantime, Mr. Hamlin continued to talk over the telephone, thoughhis hand shook so he was hardly able to hold the receiver. 

"You say you think it best to warn me that the story of the theft of mypapers will be published in the morning paper, that you know that privatestate documents entrusted to me keeping have been sold to secret spies?What evidence have you? I have missed no such papers. Wait a minute. " Mr. Hamlin went to his strong box. Sure enough, certain documents weremissing. Ruth and Bab had put the papers in the desk. "Have you an ideawho stole my papers?" Mr. Hamlin called back over the telephone wire, hisvoice shaken with passion. 

Evidently the editor who was talking to Mr. Hamlin now lost his courage. He did not dare to tell Mr. Hamlin that his own daughter was suspected ofhaving sold her father's papers. Mr. Hamlin repeated the editor's exactwords. "You say a young woman sold my papers? You are right; this is nota matter to be discussed over the telephone. Send some one up from youroffice to see me at once. "

Mr. Hamlin reeled over to his bell-rope and gave it a pull, so that thenoise of its ringing sounded like an alarm through the quiet house. 

A frightened servant answered the bell. 

"Tell Miss Thurston and my niece, Miss Stuart, to come to my study atonce, " Mr. Hamlin ordered. The man-servant obeyed. 

"Ruth, dear, wake up, " Bab entreated, giving her friend a shake. "Something awful must have happened. Your uncle has sent for us. He musthave missed those papers. "

[Illustration: "What Have You Done With My Papers?"]

Ruth and Bab, both of them looking unutterably miserable and shaken, entered Mr. Hamlin's study. Their host did not speak as they firstapproached him. When he did he turned on them such a haggard, wretchedface that they were filled with pity. But the instant Mr. Hamlin caughtsight of Barbara his expression changed. He took her by the arm, and, before she could guess what was going to happen, he shook her violently. 

"What have you done with my state papers?" he demanded. "Tell me quickly. Don't hesitate. There may yet be time to save us both. Oh, I should neverhave let you stay in this house!" he groaned. "I suspected you ofmischief when I learned of your first visit to my office. But I did notbelieve such treachery could be found in a young girl. Ruth, can't youmake your friend speak! If she will tell me to whom she sold my papers, Iwill forgive her everything! But I must know where they are at once. Ican then force the newspaper to keep silence and force my enemies toreturn me the documents, if there is only time!"

Barbara dropped into a chair and covered her face with her hands. She didnot utter a word of reproach to Mr. Hamlin for his cruel suspicion ofher. She could not tell him that his daughter Harriet was the real thief. 

"Uncle, " Ruth entreated, laying a quiet hand on Mr. Hamlin's arm, "listen to me for a moment. Yes, you must listen! You are not disgraced;you are not ruined. Look in your desk. Your papers are still there. Onlythe old envelope is gone. I put the papers in this drawer only thisafternoon, because I did not know in what place you kept them. Somepapers were given away, a few hours ago, to two people, whom you believedto be your friends, to Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon. But they were notyour state papers, they were only blank sheets. "

Mr. Hamlin looked into his drawer and saw the lost documents, then hepassed his hand over his forehead. "I don't understand, " he muttered. "Doyou mean that, instead of the actual papers, you saved me by substitutingblank papers for these valuable ones? Then your friend did try to sellher country's secrets, and you saved her and me. I shall never cease tobe grateful to you to the longest day I live. For your sake I will spareyour friend. But she must leave my house in the morning. I do not wishever to look upon her again. "

"Bab did not sell your papers, Uncle, " Ruth protested passionately. "Youshall not make such accusations against her. It was she who saved you. Idid only what she told me to do. I did substitute the papers, but it wasBarbara who thought of it. "

"Then who, in Heaven's name, is guilty of this dreadful act?" Mr. Hamlin cried. 

Neither Ruth nor Bab answered. Bab still sat with her face covered withher hands, in order to hide her hot tears. She cried partly for poorHarriet, and partly because of her sympathy for Mr. Hamlin. Ruth gazed ather uncle, white, silent and trembling. 

"Who, Ruth? I demand to know!" Mr. Hamlin repeated. 

"I shall not tell you, " Ruth returned, with a little gasp. 

"Send for my daughter, Harriet. She may know something, " Mr. Hamlinejaculated. Then he rang for a servant. 

The two girls and the one man, who had grown old in the last few minutes, waited in unbroken silence. The girls had a strong desire to scream, tocry out, to warn Harriet. She must not let her father know of her foolishdeed while his anger was at its height. 

It seemed an eternity before the butler returned to Mr. Hamlin's study. 

"Miss Hamlin is not in her room, " he reported respectfully. 

"Not in her room? Then look for her through the house, " Mr. Hamlinrepeated more quietly. He had gained greater control of himself. But anew fear was oppressing him, weighing him down. He would not give theidea credence even in his own mind. 

Three--four--five minutes passed. Still Harriet did not appear. 

"Let me look for Harriet, Uncle, " Ruth implored, unable to controlherself any longer. 

At this moment Mollie came innocently down the stairs. "Is Mr. Hamlinlooking for Harriet?" she inquired. "Harriet left the house ten minutesago. She had on her coat and her hat, but she would not stop to saygood-bye. I think her maid went with her. Mary had just a shawl thrownover her head. I am sure they will be back in a few minutes. Harrietmust have gone out to post a letter. I thought she would have come backbefore this. "

Imagine poor Mollie's horror and surprise when Mr. Hamlin dropped intoa chair at her news and groaned: "It was Harriet after all. It was _myown child_!"

"Uncle, rouse yourself!" Ruth implored him. "Harriet thought she was onlyplaying a harmless trick on you. She did not dream that the papers wereof any importance. Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon deceived her cruelly. Youmust go and find out what has become of Harriet. " Mr. Hamlin shook hishead drearily. 

"You must go!" insisted gentle Ruth, bursting into tears. "Harriet doesnot even know that the papers she gave away were worthless. If she hasfound out she has been duped she will be doubly desperate. "

At this instant the door bell rang loudly. No one in the study appearedto hear it. Mollie had crept slowly back upstairs to Grace. Ruth, Mr. Hamlin and Bab were too wretched to stir. 

A sound of hasty footsteps came down the hall, followed by a knock atthe study door. The door flew open of its own accord. Like a visionstraight from Heaven appeared the faces of Mr. Robert Stuart and hissister, Miss Sallie!

Ruth sprang into her father's arms with a cry of joy. And Bab, her eyesstill streaming with tears, was caught up in the comforting arms ofMiss Sallie. 

CHAPTER XXII

OIL ON THE TROUBLED WATERS

"What does all this mean, William Hamlin?" Mr. Stuart inquiredwithout ceremony. 

With bowed head Mr. Hamlin told the whole story, not attempting to excusehimself, for Mr. Hamlin was a just man, though a severe one. He declaredthat he had been influenced to suspect Barbara ever since her arrival inhis home. His enemies had also made a dupe of him, but his punishment hadcome upon him swiftly. He had just discovered that his own daughter hadtried to deliver into the hands of paid spies, state papers of the UnitedStates Government. 

Mr. Stuart and Aunt Sallie looked extremely serious while Mr. Hamlin wastelling his story. But when Mr. Hamlin explained how Ruth and Bab hadexchanged the valuable political documents for folded sheets of blankpaper, Mr. Stuart burst into a loud laugh, and his expression changed asthough by a miracle. He patted his daughter's shoulder to express hisapproval, while Miss Sallie kissed Bab with a sigh of relief. 

Mr. Stuart and his sister had both been extremely uneasy since thearrival of Ruth's singular telegram, not knowing what troubled watersmight be surrounding their "Automobile Girls. " Indeed Miss Sallie hadinsisted on accompanying her brother to Washington, as she felt sure herpresence would help to set things right. 

Mr. Stuart's laugh cleared the sorrowful atmosphere of the study asthough by magic. Ruth and Barbara smiled through their tears. They werenow so sure that all would soon be well!

"It seems to me, William, that all this is 'much ado about nothing, '" Mr. Stuart declared. "Of course, I can see that the situation would have beenpretty serious if poor Harriet had been deceived into giving up the realdocuments. But Bab and Ruth have saved the day! There is no harm donenow. You even know the names of the spies. There is only one thing for usto consider at present, and that is--where is Harriet?"

"Yes, Father, " Ruth pleaded. "Do find Harriet. "

"The child was foolish, and she did wrong, of course, " Mr. Stuart wenton. "But, as Ruth tells me Harriet did not know the real papers wereexchanged for false ones, she probably thinks she has disgraced youand she is too frightened to come home. You must take steps to findher at once, and to let her know you forgive her. It is a pity to loseany time. "

Mr. Hamlin was silent. "I cannot forgive Harriet, " he replied. "But, ofcourse, she must be brought home at once. "

"Nonsense!" Mr. Stuart continued. "Summon your servants and have some onetelephone to Harriet's friends. She has probably gone to one of them. Tell the child that Sallie and I are here and wish to see her. But whereare my other 'Automobile Girls, ' Mollie and Grace?"

"Upstairs, Father, " Ruth answered happily. "Come and see them. I want totelephone for Harriet. I think she will come home for me. "

"Show your aunt and father to their rooms, Ruth, " Mr. Hamlin begged. "I must wait here until a messenger arrives from the newspaper, whichin some way has learned the story of our misfortune. And even they donot know that the stolen papers were valueless. I must explainmatters to them. "

"A man of your influence can keep any mention of this affair out of thenewspapers, " Mr. Stuart argued heartily. "So the storm will have blownover by to-morrow. And I believe you will be able to punish the twoschemers who have tried to betray your daughter and disgrace my Barbara, without having Harriet's name brought into this affair. "

For the first time, Mr. Hamlin lifted his head and nodded briefly. "Yes, I can attend to them, " he declared in the quiet fashion that showed himto be a man of power. "It is best, for the sake of the country, that thescandal be nipped in the bud. I alone know what was in these state papersthat Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon were hired to steal. So I alone know towhom they would be valuable. There would be an international difficultyif I should expose the real promoter of the theft. Peter Dillon shall bedismissed from his Embassy. Mrs. Wilson will find it wiser to leaveWashington, and never to return here again. I will spare the woman asmuch as I can for the sake of her son, Elmer, who is a fine fellow. Ruth, dear, do telephone to Harriet's friends. Your father is right. We mustfind my daughter at once. "

Miss Sallie, Mr. Stuart and Ruth started to leave the room. Bab rose tofollow them. 

"Miss Thurston, don't go for a minute, " Mr. Hamlin said. "I wish to begyour pardon. Will you forgive a most unhappy man? Of course I see, now, that I had no right to suspect you without giving you a chance to defendyourself. I can only say that I was deceived, as well as Harriet. Thewhole plot is plain to me now. Harriet was to be terrified into notbetraying her own part in the theft, so she would never dare reveal thenames of Mrs. Wilson or Peter Dillon. I, with my mind poisoned againstyou, would have sought blindly to fasten the crime on you. I regard myoffice as Assistant Secretary of State as a sacred trust. If the papersentrusted to my keeping had been delivered into the hands of the enemiesof my country, through my own daughter's folly, I should never havelifted my head again, I cannot say--I have no words to express--what Iowe to you and Ruth. But how do you think a newspaper man could haveunearthed this plot? It seems incredible, when you consider howstealthily Peter Dillon and Mrs. Wilson have worked. A man--"

"I don't think a man did unearth it, " Bab replied. Just then the bellrang again. 

The next moment the door opened, and the butler announced: "Miss MarjorieMoore!" The newspaper girl gave Bab a friendly smile; then she turnedcoldly to Mr. William Hamlin. 

"Miss Moore!" Mr. Hamlin exclaimed in surprise and in anger. "I wish tosee a man from your newspaper. What I have to say cannot possiblyconcern you. "

"I think it does, Mr. Hamlin, " Miss Moore repeated calmly. "One of theeditors from my paper has come here with me. He is waiting in the hall. But it was I who discovered the theft of your state documents. I havebeen expecting mischief for some time. I am sorry for you, ofcourse--very sorry, but I have all the facts of the case, and as no oneelse knows of it, it will be a great scoop for me in the morning. "

"Your newspaper will not publish the story at all, Miss Moore, " Mr. Hamlin rejoined, when he had recovered from his astonishment at MissMoore's appearance. "The stolen papers were not of the least value. Willyou explain to Miss Moore exactly what occurred, Miss Thurston?" Mr. Hamlin concluded. 

When Bab told the story of how she and Ruth had made their lightningsubstitution of the papers, Marjorie Moore gave a gasp of surprise. 

"Good for you, Miss Thurston!" she returned. "I knew you were clever, aswell as the right sort, the first time I saw you. So I had gotten hold ofthe whole story of the theft except, the most important point--theexchange of the papers. It spoils my story as sensational political news. But, " Miss Moore laughed, "it makes a perfectly great personal story, because it has such a funny side to it: 'Foiled by the "AutomobileGirls"!' 'The Assistant Secretary of State's Daughter!'" Miss Moorestopped, ashamed of her cruelty when she saw Mr. Hamlin's face. But hedid not speak. 

It was Bab who exclaimed: "Oh, Miss Moore, you are not going to betrayHarriet, are you? Poor Harriet thought it was all a joke. She did notknow the papers were valuable. It would be too cruel to spread this storyabroad. It might ruin Harriet's reputation. "

Marjorie Moore made no answer. 

"You heard Miss Thurston, " Mr. Hamlin interposed. "Surely you will grantour request. "

"Mr. Hamlin, " Marjorie Moore protested, "I am dreadfully sorry for you. I told you so, but I am going to have this story published in themorning. It is too good to keep and I have worked dreadfully hard on it. Indeed, I almost lost my life because of it. I knew it was Peter Dillonwho struck me down on the White House lawn the night of the reception. But I said nothing because I knew that, if I made trouble, I would havebeen put off the scent of the story somehow. I tried to see MissThurston alone, that evening, to warn her that Mrs. Wilson and PeterDillon were going to try to fasten their crime on her. I am obliged tobe frank with you, Mr. Hamlin. I will stick to the facts as you havetold them to me, but a full account of the attempted theft will bepublished in the morning's 'News. '"

"Call the man who is with you, Miss Moore; I prefer to talk with him, "Mr. Hamlin commanded. "You do not seem to realize the gravity of what youintend to do. It will be a mistake for your newspaper to make an enemy ofa man in my official position. "

Mr. Hamlin talked for some time to one of the editors of the Washington"News. " He entreated, threatened and finally made an appeal to him tosave his daughter and himself by not making the story public. 

"I am afraid we shall have to let the story go, Miss Moore, " the editorremarked regretfully. "It was a fine piece of news, but we don't wish tomake things too hard for Mr. Hamlin. " The man turned to go. 

"Mr. Hughes, " Marjorie Moore announced, speaking to her editor, "if youdo not intend to use this story, which I have worked on so long, in yourpaper, I warn you, right now, that I shall simply sell it to some othernewspaper and take the consequences. All the papers will not be socareful of Mr. Hamlin's feelings. "

"Oh, Miss Moore, you would not be so cruel!" Bab cried. 

Marjorie Moore turned suddenly on Barbara; "Why shouldn't I?" shereturned. "Both Harriet Hamlin and Peter Dillon have been hateful andinsolent to me ever since I have been making my living in Washington. Itold you I meant to get even with them some day. Well, this is my chance, and I intend to take it. Good-bye; there is no reason for me to stay hereany longer. "

"Mr. Hamlin, if Miss Moore insists on selling her story on the outside, Icannot see how we would benefit you by failing to print the story, " theeditor added. 

"Very well, " Mr. Hamlin returned coldly. But he sank back into his chairand covered his face with his hands. Harriet's reputation was ruined, for no one would believe she had not tried deliberately to sell herfather's honor. 

But Bab resolved to appeal once more to the newspaper girl. She ran toMarjorie Moore and put her arm about the newspaper girl's waist to detainher. She talked to her in her most winning fashion, with her brown eyesglowing with feeling and her lips trembling with eagerness. 

The tears came to Marjorie Moore's eyes as she listened to Bab's pleadingfor Harriet. But she still obstinately shook her head. 

Some one came running down the stairs and Ruth entered the study withoutheeding the strangers in it. 

"Uncle!" she exclaimed in a terrified voice, "Harriet cannot be found! Wehave telephoned everywhere for her. No one has seen her or knows anythingabout her. What shall we do? It is midnight!"

Mr. Hamlin followed Ruth quickly out of the room, forgetting every otherconsideration in his fear for his daughter. He looked broken and old. WasHarriet in some worse peril?

As Marjorie Moore saw Mr. Hamlin go, she turned swiftly to Barbara andkissed her. "It's all right, dear, " she said. "You were right. Revenge istoo little and too mean. Mr. Hughes has said he will not publish thestory, and I shall not sell it anywhere else. Indeed, I promise that whatI know shall never be spoken of outside this room. Good night. " BeforeBarbara could thank her she was gone. 

CHAPTER XXIII

SUSPENSE AND THE REWARD

All night long diligent search was made for Harriet Hamlin, but no wordwas heard of her. The "Automobile Girls" telephoned her dearest friends. Mr. Hamlin and Mr. Stuart tramped from one hotel to the other. None ofthe Hamlin household closed their eyes that night. 

"It has been my fault, Robert, " Mr. Hamlin admitted, as he and hisbrother-in-law returned home in the gray dawn of the morning, hopingvainly to hear that Harriet had returned. "My child has gotten into debtand she has been afraid to confess her mistake to me. Her little friend, Mollie, told me the story. Mollie believes that Mrs. Wilson and PeterDillon tempted Harriet by offering to lend her money. And so she agreedto aid them in what she thought was their 'joke. ' I have seen, lately, that Harriet has been so worried she hardly knew what she was doing. Yet, when my poor child tried to confess her fault to me, I would not let hergo on. My harshness and lack of sympathy have driven her to--I know notwhat. Oh, Robert, what shall I do? She is the one joy of my life!"

Mr. Stuart did not try to deny Mr. Hamlin's judgment of himself. He knewMr. Hamlin had been too severe with his daughter. If only Harriet couldbe found she and her father would be closer friends after thisexperience. Mr. Stuart realized fully what danger Harriet was in withher unusual beauty, with no mother and with a father who did notunderstand her. 

"Harriet has done very wrong, " Mr. Hamlin added slowly. It was hard, indeed, for a man of his nature to forgive. "But I shall not reproach herwhen she comes back to me, " he said quickly. The fear that Harriet mightnever return to him at all struck a sudden chill to his soul. 

"The child has done wrong, William, I admit it, " returned good-naturedMr. Stuart. "She has been headstrong and foolish. But we have done worsethings in our day, remember. "

"I will remember, " Mr. Hamlin answered drearily, as he shut himself upin his room. 

Mr. Hamlin would not come down to breakfast. There was still no news ofHarriet. While dear, comfortable Aunt Sallie and the "Automobile Girls"were seated around the table, making a pretense of eating, there came aring at the front door bell. 

Ruth jumped up and ran out into the hall. Then followed several momentsof awful suspense. Ruth came back slowly, not with Harriet, but with anote in her hand. She opened it with shaking fingers, for she recognizedHarriet's handwriting in the address. 

The note read: "Dearest Ruth, I shall never come home again. I havedisgraced my father and myself. I would not listen to you and Bab, andnow I know the worst. Mrs. Wilson and Peter Dillon were villains and Iwas only a foolish dupe. I spent the night in a boarding house with anold friend of my mother's. " Ruth stopped reading. Her voice sank so lowit was almost impossible to hear her. She had not noticed that her unclewas standing just outside the door, listening, with white lips. 

"I don't know what else to do, " Harriet's note continued, when Ruth hadstrength to go on. "So early this morning I telegraphed to CharlieMeyers. When you receive this note, I shall be married to him. Ask myfather to forgive me, for I shall never see him again. Your heart-brokencousin, Harriet. "

"Absurd child!" Miss Sallie ejaculated, trying to hide her tears. But Mr. Stuart stepped to Mr. Hamlin's side as he entered the room, lookingconscience-stricken and miserable. 

Poor Harriet was paying for her folly with a life-time of wretchedness. She was to marry a man she did not love; and her friends were powerlessto save her. 

Mollie slipped quietly away from the table. No one tried to stop her. Every one thought Mollie was overcome, because she had been especiallydevoted to Harriet. 

"Won't you try to find Mr. Meyers, Uncle?" Ruth pleaded. "It may not betoo late to prevent Harriet's marriage. Oh, do try to find her. She doesnot care for Charlie Meyers in the least. She is only marrying himbecause she is so wretched she does not know what to do. "

Mr. Stuart was already getting into his coat and hat. Mr. Hamlin was notfar behind him. The two men were just going out the front door, when acry from Mollie interrupted them. The three girls rushed into the hall, not knowing what Mollie's cry meant. But when they saw the little goldenhaired girl, who sympathized the most deeply with Harriet in her trouble, because of her own recent acquaintance with debt, the "Automobile Girls"knew at once that all was well!

"Oh, Mr. Hamlin! Oh, Mr. Stuart! Do wait until I get my breath, " Molliebegged. "Dear, darling Harriet is all right. She will come home if herfather will come for her. I telephoned to Mr. Meyers and he declaresHarriet is safe with his aunt. He says, of course, he is not such a cadas to marry Harriet when she is so miserable and frightened. He went tothe boarding house for her, then took her to his aunt's home. Mr. Meyerswas on his way here to see Mr. Hamlin. "

Two hours later, Harriet was at home again and in bed, suffering fromnervous shock. But her father's forgiveness, his sympathy, hisreassuring words, and above all, the thought that by the ruse of Bab, shehad been mercifully saved from the deep disgrace that had shadowed herlife, soon restored her to her normal spirits. There was a speedyinvestigation by the State Department--the result of which was that Mrs. Wilson disappeared from Washington society. Her son Elmer reported thathis mother had grown tired of Washington and was living in New England. As for Peter Dillon, his connection with the Russian Embassy was severedat once. No one knew where he went. 

 * * * * *

"The President would like to see the 'Automobile Girls' at the WhiteHouse to-day at half past twelve o'clock, " Mr. William Hamlin announced afew mornings later, looking up from his paper to smile first at hisdaughter and then at the group of happy faces about his breakfast table, which included Miss Sallie Stuart and Mr. Robert Stuart. 

Harriet was looking very pale. She had been ill for two days after herunhappy experience. 

"What on earth do you mean, Mr. Hamlin?" inquired Grace Carter anxiously, turning to their host. 

The other girls smiled, thinking Mr. Hamlin was joking, he had been insuch different spirits since Harriet's return home. 

"I mean what I say, " Mr. Hamlin returned gravely. "The President wishesto see the 'Automobile Girls' in order to thank them for their service totheir country. " Mr. Hamlin allowed an earnest note to creep into hisvoice. "The story has not been made public. But I myself told thePresident of my narrow escape from disgrace, and he desires personally tothank the young girls who saved us. I told him that he might rely on yourrespecting his invitation. "

"Oh, but we can't go, Mr. Hamlin, " Mollie expostulated. "Grace and I hadnothing to do with saving the papers. It was only Ruth and Bab!"

"It is most unusual to decline an invitation from the President, Mollie, "Mr. Hamlin continued. "Only a death in the family is regarded as areasonable excuse. Now the President most distinctly stated that hedesired a visit from the 'Automobile Girls'!"

"United we stand, divided we fall!" Ruth announced. "Bab and I will notstir a single step without Grace and Mollie. "

"There is one other person who ought to be included in this visit to thePresident, " Harriet added, shyly. 

"Whom do you mean, my child?" Mr. Hamlin queried. 

Harriet hung her proud little head. "I mean Marjorie Moore, Father. Ithink she did as much as any one by keeping the story out of the paperswhen it would have meant so much for her to have published it. "

"Good for Harriet!" Ruth murmured under her breath. 

"I did not neglect to tell the President of Miss Moore's part in theaffair, Daughter, " Mr. Hamlin rejoined. "But I am glad you spoke of it. Ishall certainly see that she is included in the invitation. "

Promptly at twelve o'clock the "Automobile Girls" set out for the WhiteHouse in the care of their old and faithful friend, Mr. A. Bubble. Onthe way there they picked up Marjorie Moore, who had now become theirstaunch friend. 

The girls were greatly excited over their second visit to the WhiteHouse. It was, of course, very unlike their first, since to-day they wereto be the special guests of the President. On the evening of thePresidential reception they had been merely included among severalhundred callers. 

Ruth sent in Mr. Hamlin's card with theirs, in order to explain whosevisitors they were. The five girls were immediately shown into a smallroom, which the President used for seeing his friends when he desired agreater privacy than was possible in the large state reception rooms. 

The girls sat waiting the appearance of the President, each one a littlemore nervous than the other. 

"What shall we say, Bab?" Mollie whispered to her sister. 

"Goodness knows, child!" Bab just had time to answer, when a servantbowed ceremoniously. A man entered the room quickly and walked from onegirl to the other, shaking hands with each one in turn. 

"I am very glad to meet you, " he declared affably. "Mr. Hamlin tells meyou were able to do him a service, and through him to your country, whichit is also my privilege to serve. I thank you. " The President bowedceremoniously. "It was a pretty trick you played on our enemies. Strategyis sometimes better than war, and a woman's wits than a man's fists. "Then the President turned cordially to Marjorie Moore. 

"Miss Moore, it gives me pleasure to say a word of appreciation to you. Your act in withholding this information from the public rather than tosell it and make a personal gain by it, was a thoroughly patriotic act, and I wish you to know that I value your service. "

"Thank you, Mr. President, " replied Miss Moore, blushing deeply. 

The President's wife now entered the sitting-room with several otherguests and members of her family. When luncheon was announced, thePresident of the United States offered his arm to Barbara Thurston. 

The "Automobile Girls" are not likely to forget their luncheon with thePresident, his family and a few intimate friends. The girls werefrightened at first; but, being simple and natural, they soon ceased tothink of themselves. They were too much interested in what they saw andheard around them. 

The President talked to Ruth, who sat on his left, about automobiles. Hewas interested to hear of the travels of Mr. A. Bubble, and seemed toknow a great deal about motor cars. But, after a while, as the girlsheard him converse with three distinguished men who sat at his table, onean engineer, the other a judge, and the third an artist, the "AutomobileGirls" decided wisely that the President knew almost everything that wasworth knowing. 

 * * * * *

"Children, " said Mr. Stuart that night, when the girls could tell nomore of their day's experience, "it seems to me that it is about timefor you to be going home. " Mr. Stuart and Aunt Sallie were in the Hamlindrawing-room with the "Automobile Girls. " Mr. Hamlin and Harriet hadgone for a short walk. It was now their custom to walk together eachevening after dinner, since it gave them a little opportunity for aconfidential talk. 

"You girls have had to-day the very happiest opportunity that falls tothe lot of any visitor in Washington, " Mr. Stuart continued. "You havehad a private interview with the President and have been entertained byhim at the Executive Mansion. I have no doubt you have also seen all thesights of Washington in the last few weeks. So homeward-bound must be ournext forward move!"

"Oh, Father, " cried Ruth regretfully, her face clouding as she lookedat her beloved automobile friends. How long before she should seethem again?

The same thought clouded the bright faces of Mollie, Grace and Bab. 

"We have hardly seen you at all, Miss Sallie, " Grace lamented, takingMiss Sarah Stuart's plump, white hand in her own. "We have been thecentre of so much excitement ever since you arrived in Washington. "

"Must we go, Father?" Ruth entreated. 

"I am afraid we must, Daughter, " Mr. Stuart answered, with a halfanxious and half cheerful twinkle in his eye. 

"Then it's Chicago for me!" sighed Ruth. 

"And Kingsbridge for the rest of us!" echoed the other three girls. 

"Ruth cannot very well travel home alone, " Mr. Stuart remonstrated, looking first at Barbara, then at Mollie and Grace, and winking solemnlyat Miss Sallie. 

"Don't tease the child, Robert, " Miss Sallie remonstrated. 

"Aren't you and Aunt Sallie going home with me, Father?" Ruth queried, too much surprised for further questioning. 

"No, Ruth, " Mr. Stuart declared. "You seem to have concluded to return toChicago. But your Aunt Sallie and I are on our way to Kingsbridge, NewJersey, to pay a visit to Mrs. Mollie Thurston at Laurel Cottage. Mrs. Thurston wrote inviting us to visit her before we returned to the West. But, of course, if you do not wish to go with us, Daughter--. "

Mr. Stuart had no chance to speak again. For the four girls surroundedhim, plying him with questions, with exclamations. They were all laughingand talking at once. 

"It's too good to be true, Father!" cried Ruth. 

CHAPTER XXIV

HOME AT LAUREL COTTAGE

Mrs. Thurston stood on the front porch of her little cottage, looking outin the gathering dusk. Back of her the lights twinkled gayly. A big woodfire crackled in the sitting-room and shone through the soft muslincurtains. A small maid was busily setting the table for supper in thedinning room, and there was a delicious smell of freshly baked rollscoming through the kitchen door. On the table stood a great dish ofgolden honey and a pitcher of rich milk. Mrs. Thurston had not forgotten, in two years, the favorite supper of her friend, Robert Stuart. 

It was a cold night, but she could not wait indoors. She had gathered upa warm woolen shawl of a delicate lavender shade, and wrapped it abouther head and shoulders, looking not unlike the gracious spirit of anAutumn twilight as she lingered to welcome the travelers home. She wasthinking of all that had happened since the day that Bab had stoppedRuth's runaway horses. She was recalling how much Mr. Stuart had done forher little girls in the past two years. "He could not have been kinderto Mollie and Barbara, if they had been his own daughters, " thoughtpretty Mrs. Thurston, with a blush. 

But did she not hear the ever-welcome sound of a friendly voice? Was notMr. Bubble calling to her out of the darkness? Surely enough his twogreat shining eyes now appeared at the well-known turn in the road. A fewmoments later Mrs. Thurston was being tempestuously embraced by the"Automobile Girls. "

"Do let me speak to Miss Stuart, children, " Mrs. Thurston entreated, trying to extricate herself from four pairs of girlish arms. 

"Come in, Miss Stuart, " she laughed. "I hope you are not tired from yourjourney. I cannot tell you what pleasure it gives me to see you and Mr. Stuart once more. "

Mr. Stuart gave Mrs. Thurston's hand a little longer pressure thanwas absolutely necessary. Mrs. Thurston blushed and finally drew herhand away. 

"Look after Mr. Stuart, dear, " she said to Bab. "He is to have the guestchamber upstairs. I want to show Miss Stuart to her room. I am sorry, Ruth, our little home is too small to give you a room to yourself. Youwill have to be happy with Mollie and Bab. Grace you are to stay tosupper with us. Your father will come for you after supper. I had to begawfully hard, but he finally consented to let you remain with us. Ourlittle reunion would not be complete without you. "

Mrs. Thurston took Miss Sallie into a charming room which she had latelyrenovated for her guest. It was papered in Miss Stuart's favoritelavender paper, had lavender curtains at the windows, and a bright woodfire in the grate. 

"I hope you will be comfortable, Miss Stuart, " said little Mrs. Thurston, who stood slightly in awe of stately and elegant Miss Sallie. 

For answer Miss Sallie smiled and looked searchingly at Mrs. Thurston. 

"Is there any question you wish to ask me?" Mrs. Thurston inquired, flushing slightly at Miss Stuart's peculiar expression. 

"Oh, no, " smiled Miss Sallie. "Oh, no, I have no question to ask you!"

It was seven o 'clock when the party sat down to supper, and after ninewhen they finally rose. They stopped then only because Squire Carterarrived and demanded his daughter, Grace, whom he had to carry off, as heand her mother could bear to be parted from their child no longer. 

Miss Sallie asked to be excused, soon after supper, as she was tiredfrom her trip. "I think the 'Automobile Girls' had better go to bed, too, " she suggested. Then Miss Sallie flushed. For she was so accustomedto telling her girls what they ought to do that she forgot it was nolonger her privilege to advise Bab and Mollie when they were in theirmother's house. 

Bab insisted on running out to their little stable to see if her belovedhorse, "Beauty, " were safe and sound. And, of course, Ruth and Molliewent with her. But not long afterwards, the three girls retired to theirroom to talk until they fell asleep, too worn out for furtherconversation. 

"I am not tired, Mrs. Thurston, are you?" Mr. Stuart asked. "If you don'tmind, won't you sit and talk to me for a little while before this cozyopen fire? We never have a chance to say much to each other before ourtalkative daughters. How charming the little cottage looks to-night! Itis like a second home. "

Mrs. Thurston smiled happily. "It makes me very happy to have you andRuth feel so. I hope you will always feel at home here. I wish I coulddo something in return for all the kindness you have shown to my twolittle girls. "

Mr. Stuart did not reply at once. He seemed to be thinking so deeply thatMrs. Thurston did not like to go on talking. 

"Mrs. Thurston, " Mr. Stuart spoke slowly, "why would you not come to myhouse in Chicago to make us a visit when I asked you, nearly a year ago?"

Mrs. Thurston hesitated. "I told you my reasons then, Mr. Stuart. It wasquite impossible. But it has been so long I have almost forgotten why Ihad to refuse. "

"It was after our trip in the private car with our friends, the fallbefore, you remember, Mrs. Thurston. But I know why you would not come tomy home, " Mr. Stuart answered, smiling. "You were willing to accept myhospitality for your daughters, but you would not accept it for yourself. Am I not right?"

"Yes, " Mrs. Thurston faltered. "I thought it would not be best. "

"I am sorry, " Mr. Stuart said sadly. "Because I want to do a great dealmore than ask you to come to visit me in Chicago. I wish you to come tolive there as my wife. "

Mrs. Thurston's reply was so low it could hardly be heard. But Mr. Stuartevidently understood it and found it satisfactory. 

A few moments later Mrs. Thurston murmured, "I don't believe that Ruthand your sister Sallie will be pleased. "

"Ruth will be the happiest girl in the world!" Mr. Stuart retorted. "Poorchild, she has longed for sisters all her life. Now she is going to havethe two she loves best in the world. As for Sallie--. " Here Mr. Stuarthesitated. He thought Miss Sallie did not dream of his affection for thelittle widow, and he was not at all sure how she would receive the news. "As for Sallie, " he continued stoutly, "I am sure Sallie wishes myhappiness more than anything else and she will be glad when she hearsthat I can find it only through you. "

Mrs. Thurston shook her head. "I can only consent to our marriage, " shereturned, "if my girls and yours are really happy in our choice and ifyour sister is willing to give us her blessing. "

 * * * * *

"Oh, Aunt Sallie, dear, please are you awake?" Ruth cried at half-pastseven the next morning, tapping gently on Miss Stuart's door. 

Ruth had been awakened by her father at a little after six that morningand carried off to his bedroom in her dressing-gown, to sit curled up onher father's bed, while he made his confession to her. 

Ruth had listened silently at first with her head turned away. Once herfather thought she was crying. But when she turned toward him her eyeswere shining with happy tears. Ruth never thought of being jealous, orthat her adored father would love her any less. She only thought, first, of his happiness and next of her own. 

Mr. Stuart would not let Ruth go until, with her arms about his neck andher cheek pressed to his, she begged him to let her be the messenger toBarbara, Mollie and Aunt Sallie. 

"You will be careful when you break the news to your aunt, " Mr. Stuartentreated. "I should have given her some warning in regard to my feelingsfor Mrs. Thurston. I fear the news will be an entire surprise to her. "

Ruth wondered what she should say first. 

"Come in, dear, " Miss Sallie answered placidly in reply to Ruth's knock. Miss Stuart was sitting up in bed with a pale lavender silk dressingsacque over her lace and muslin gown. 

"I suppose, " Miss Sallie continued calmly, "that you have come to tell methat your father is going to marry Mrs. Thurston. "

"Aunt Sallie, " gasped Ruth, "are you a wizard?"

"No, " said Miss Stuart, "I am a woman. Why, child, I have seen this thingcoming ever since we first left Robert Stuart here in Kingsbridge when Itook you girls off to Newport. Are you pleased, child?" Miss Sallieinquired, a little wistfully. 

"Gladder than anything, if you are, Aunt Sallie, " Ruth replied. "ButFather told me to come to ask you how you felt. He says Mrs. Thurstonwon't marry him unless we all consent. "

"Nonsense!" returned Miss Stuart in her accustomed fashion. "Of course Iam glad to have Robert happy. Mrs. Thurston is a dear little woman. Only, " dignified Miss Sallie choked with a tiny sob in her voice, "Ican't give you up, Ruth, dear. " And Miss Stuart and her beloved nieceshed a few comfortable tears in each other's arms. 

"I never, never will care for any one as I do for you, Aunt Sallie, " Ruthprotested. "And aren't you Chaperon Extraordinary and Ministering AngelPlentipotentiary to the 'Automobile Girls'? The other girls care for youalmost as much as I do. I wonder if Mrs. Thurston has told Bab andMollie. Do you think they will be glad to have me for a sister?"

"Fix my hair, Ruth, and don't be absurd, " Miss Sallie rejoined, returningto her former severe manner, which no longer alarmed any one of the"Automobile Girls. " "It is wonderful to me how I have learned to dowithout a maid while I have been traveling about the world with youchildren. "

The winter sunshine poured into the breakfast room of Laurel Cottage. The canary sang rapturously in his golden cage. He rejoiced at the soundof voices and the cheerful sounds in the house. 

Bab and Mollie were helping to set the breakfast table, when Ruth joinedthem. Neither girl said anything except to ask Ruth why she had slippedout of their room so early. 

Ruth's heart sank. After all, then, Barbara and Mollie were notpleased. They did not care for her enough to be happy in this closerbond between them. 

Mrs. Thurston kissed Ruth shyly, but she made no mention of anythingunusual. And when Mr. Stuart came in to breakfast he looked asembarrassed and uncomfortable as a boy. There was a constraint over thelittle party at breakfast that had not been there the night before. 

Unexpectedly the door opened. Into the room came Grace Carter with a bigbunch of white roses in her hand. "I just had to come early, " shedeclared simply. "I wanted to find out. " Grace thrust the flowers uponMrs. Thurston. 

"Come here to me, Grace, " Miss Sallie commanded. "You are a girl after myown heart. Robert, Mrs. Thurston, I congratulate you and I wish you joywith my whole heart. "

Barbara and Mollie gazed at each other in stupefied silence. What didit all mean?

Mrs. Thurston blushed like a girl over her roses. "Miss Stuart, Inever dreamed you could have heard so soon. I have not yet toldBarbara and Mollie. "

"Told us what?" Bab demanded in her emphatic fashion. Then Ruth's heartwas light again. 

But Bab did not wait to be answered. She suddenly guessed the truth. Nowshe knew why Ruth's manner had changed so quickly a short time before. She ran round the table, upsetting her chair in her rush. And before shesaid a word either to her mother or to Mr. Stuart, she flung her armsabout Ruth and whispered: "Our wish has come true, Ruth, darling! We aresisters as well as best friends. "

Then Bab congratulated her mother and Mr. Stuart in a much moredignified fashion. 

"When is it to be, Father?" Ruth queried. 

Mr. Stuart looked at Mrs. Thurston. "In the spring, " she faltered. 

"Then we will all go away together and have a happy summer, somewhere, "Mr. Stuart asserted, smiling on the faces of his dear ones. 

"We shall do no such thing, Robert Stuart, " Miss Sallie interposedfirmly. "You shall have your honeymoon alone. I intend to take my'Automobile Girls' some place where we have never been before. Will yougo with me, children?"

"Yes, " chorused the four girls. "Aunt Sallie and the 'AutomobileGirls' forever. "