CHAPTER XVI

A SECOND CHANCE.

As the girls entered the great reception-room where the young men were now waiting for them, it would not have been difficult for an outsider to read from their faces the fact that something unpleasant had happened. The Crowell boys and Wallace and Hitchens, who all instantly guessed at the portent of the interview, could not hide their embarrassment. Both Cryton and McDaniel looked frankly curious. The latter searched the group anxiously for Daisy.

Where’s Daisy? he asked Florence when he reached her side.

The girl made an effort to control herself before she could answer calmly.

She and Marj went upstairs for their powder boxes, she replied. They’ll be here in a minute. But can’t you find another partner?

Where could I find another such partner? he replied, relinquishing his claim upon Florence to Cryton.

Retiring into the hall, he impatiently awaited Daisy’s return. But three dances were over before she put in an appearance, and then she came reluctantly.

Daisy! he cried suddenly, as the girls descended the wide stairway. I’m simply dying to dance! The girl dropped her eyes as she came towards him, and Marjorie explained briefly that her companion had a headache. Then she vanished through the doorway, leaving the couple together.

Something has happened! exclaimed McDaniel anxiously. Tell me, Daisy! The girls all seemed to be worked up.

Come out here on the porch, murmured the girl, and I’ll tell you all about it. Flos and I are in disgrace!

In disgrace! he faltered. But—but—why? Daisy waited until they were seated before she began her story. She related it just as Miss Vaughn had presented it, but as she spoke her voice shook with emotion, and before she had concluded she was again on the verge of tears.

You know that it isn’t true, Clyde! she wailed. Can’t you do something?

Of course I’ll try! replied the young man angrily. The very idea of their bringing such an accusation! But—as you say—I’m afraid they won’t believe me.

Daisy looked up through her tears into McDaniel’s eyes, but somehow they seemed to lack assurance. Was it possible that he would not come to her aid?

You know we’re innocent! she protested.

Yes, certainly I do! His tone grew irritable, as though he wished to forget the matter. Then, as if to accomplish this, he reminded her that they were missing the dancing.

But Daisy hesitated, still borne down by the sense of shame and disgrace.

I don’t feel like dancing, Clyde!

Did the possession of an automobile mean so much to you?

No, no! It isn’t the loss of the car, murmured the girl. It’s my honor! To think that they actually believe that I lied!

But you can’t blame Miss Vaughn, he consoled her. She doesn’t know you. Oh, Daisy, if I could only help you—

You do help me by believing me.

Then try to forget it all. Now—will you dance with me?

But although Daisy consented, and made every effort to put the unfortunate occurrence from her thoughts, she was not very successful, and long before the evening was over she realized that it would be better to give up and go to bed. Perhaps in sleep she could forget her trouble.

Having made up her mind to withdraw quietly from the party, she looked about for Marjorie. To her surprise she found her—not on the floor as she usually was when music was playing—but over in the corner of the room talking with Miss Vaughn. As inconspicuously as possible she made her way across to them. As she drew near enough to hear their voices she realized that Marjorie’s was ardent, pleading; she was evidently asking the old lady for something. However, she looked up cordially as Daisy approached, not seeming to mind the interruption.

Yes—come here, Daisy—I am pleading your cause! I am trying to convince Miss Vaughn that Mr. Wallace and Mr. Hitchens made a mistake.

The woman’s eyes searched those of the new-comer, but she could read neither guilt nor innocence from her countenance—only distress.

But how could they? asked Miss Vaughn.

They admitted that they didn’t stop, argued Marjorie; so it might have been rather difficult to determine whether the boys or the girls were doing the work!

Why didn’t you ask Mr. McDaniel? suggested Daisy.

I have already asked Mr. Cryton, replied Miss Vaughn; and, as I expected, he denied it. He would hardly be a man if he didn’t, knowing the circumstances. No, I am afraid that in a case like this, the word of these two young men could not be relied upon.

Then why rely upon that of the other two men? flashed Marjorie.

That is different—they are disinterested, as I told you before. And they gave me the information before they heard of my conditions—not afterwards! Now they too would probably lie for you, out of chivalry, since they know how much it means to you.

As she continued, Marjorie grew increasingly excited, while Daisy only became more and more unhappy. Her eyes sought Marjorie’s in a mute appeal for her to take her away from the party. But the other girl was not ready; she had a plan at the back of her mind which she was saving to utilize if all else failed.

Miss Vaughn, she said, finally, then I ask that you give us another chance! That you consent to let these two suspected girls make the trip back, accompanied by a chaperone whom you appoint, who will serve as referee. Give them a chance to prove that they can do it!

Miss Vaughn listened in surprise, but not with disfavor. It was characteristic of her that she wanted to play fair.

And if they make it according to conditions? she asked.

Then we all receive the cars. If not, nobody does!

Would you expect all the girls to make the trip again?

No—only Florence and Daisy—and anyone else who wishes, returned Marjorie.

Then Daisy spoke up.

Please, don’t give yourself the trouble of considering such a proposal on my account. I never could consent to such a plan!

Why not? asked Miss Vaughn, rather wearily.

Pride, I suppose, answered Daisy. But it wouldn’t improve matters any. It wouldn’t convince you in the least that we had not lied in the first place; and since you won’t believe us, let us say no more about it.

My dear, I should be only too happy to believe you; in fact, I am more inclined to take people at their word than otherwise. That is why I believed Mr. Wallace and Mr. Hitchens; and I fully expected you two girls to confess when confronted with the accusation. But you did not; and then I regretted the very foolish outburst on my part, which now places me in the very delicate position that, since everyone knows how matters stand, I can’t seem to believe one side without making out the others as liars. I thought to shift the responsibly upon your shoulders by offering you the cars if you would take them under the circumstances. You refused, which is something in your favor, but my position remains unaltered. Yes, it may be that this is a way out, if you will consent to it. That is why I say it is worth considering.

I think it would be better for everyone concerned if we let the matter drop, repeated Daisy.

Don’t mind Daisy, Miss Vaughn, said Marjorie, as she put her arm about the girl to lead her away. It’s natural for her to feel this way. Consider the proposition as a special favor to me, and to Pansy Troop.

Well, I will think it over, replied the hostess. I’ll let you know tomorrow morning.

Daisy and Marjorie took the reply as a dismissal, and left the ball room together. When they reached the door of their own room, Daisy questioned Marjorie once more for assurance of her belief in their innocence.

You don’t believe that we did accept assistance, do you, Marj? Tell me again!

No, Daisy! A hundred times, no! In fact—I don’t even believe that you looked as if you did!

But then why would those two boys make such a report?

Because there’s a mystery that underlies all this! A mystery which I mean to solve, if I possibly can!

Could somebody be plotting against us? asked Daisy, incredulously.

Yes, I think so. Some of our mishaps may have been accidental, but I’m sure some of them were deliberate. And when you think back, you may remember how many times Mr. Cryton and Mr. McDaniel tried to delay us!

Surely you don’t mistrust them? faltered Daisy. I—I thought that every time they just wanted—

Yes, interrupted Marjorie. I know what you want to say, only you are too modest! You believed that they wished to see more of you and Flos. Probably they did, Daisy; but that wasn’t the only reason.

I’d hate to think that they had anything to do with this! sighed Daisy. Flos and I think a lot of them.

But Jack and John said they didn’t consider them absolutely straight, and hoped that we wouldn’t see too much of them this summer, Marjorie reminded her.

Marj, interrupted Daisy, with a sudden return of the spirit she had displayed in her hostess’s presence, I positively refuse to make that trip back! I don’t care enough for the cars to accept them under the circumstances—even if we do win them!

Not for the sake of the cars, Daisy; but because we want to clear you and Florence—and save the honor of Pansy Troop!

But that wouldn’t clear us! protested the other.

If you will just be willing to pocket your pride, Daisy, and accept Miss Vaughn’s offer—I’ll show you that it will be best in the end.

How could it be?

You’ll see! I have a little scheme up my sleeve—to set a trap, Marjorie explained; and try to catch our enemies at their game!

Daisy’s eyes grew big at the thought of the adventure Marjorie must be planning. Could she have a plot, too, then—to catch the boys and prove their trickery, and the girls’ honesty? Eagerly she demanded more information.

Tell me more about it, Marj! she pleaded. But Marjorie shook her head.

I can’t, Daisy—it’s all too uncertain. But if you and Florence will only trust me enough to accept the terms of the proposition, I think I may succeed. Would you be willing to place yourself in my hands?

Daisy looked into Marjorie’s animated face, and the old feeling of admiration, of respect, took possession of her, and she knew that she was only too glad to follow such a competent leader. She laid her cheek up against Marjorie’s, and in endearing words, murmured her loyalty.

Early the next morning before Marjorie went to Miss Vaughn to learn of her decision, she made it a point to lay the proposition before Florence. Like Daisy, she protested at first, but was won over in the end. No one in the patrol ever resisted Marjorie long, not only because her personality was so compelling, but because her foresight always found a way out of every difficulty. The latter, however, decided to say nothing of her scheme to the other girls until after her talk with Miss Vaughn.

She found her hostess before breakfast in her favorite spot on the veranda, near to the honeysuckle vine.

Come sit beside me, Marjorie, the old lady said. I want a little talk with you.

Yes? answered Marjorie, trying to hide her impatience.

I am only too glad to grant your request, continued Miss Vaughn. It seems to me a very good solution of the way out of both your problem and mine. And this time everything will probably turn out all right.

I hope so, agreed Marjorie, concealing the doubts that she felt.

Now about a chaperone. I think I know of just the right person—a Mrs. Hart, a charming woman, who, I think would be willing to go.

They continued to discuss their plans until the breakfast bell sounded. No sooner was the party gathered at the table than she announced her good news.

Girls, she said, gaily, we are to have a second chance! Miss Vaughn has decided to let Daisy and Florence try the trip back again, under the same conditions.

The girls glanced doubtfully at the two who were mentioned, but, seeing that they did not protest, they all expressed their approval.

But how do we know that someone won’t turn up to tell lies this time? asked Ethel, morosely.

We’re to take a Mrs. Hart, a friend of Miss Vaughn, replied Marjorie, watching the Crowell boys closely to see how the announcement affected them. To all appearances, they were delighted.

Flos, Daisy, Mrs. Hart, I—and one other girl, she continued. Who else wants to go?

I do! volunteered Ethel, instantly.

Agreed! concluded Marjorie.

Now, added Miss Vaughn, who was warming more and more to the idea, to show you how fair I wish to be: if you girls succeed this time, I will leave a considerable sum to the Girl Scout organization in my will. I have no doubt that it is in need of funds?

Oh, yes! cried Marjorie, her eyes sparkling at the thought of so much generosity. She had always dreamed of doing something such as this for the movement, but could never see just how.

Again she glanced at Miss Vaughn’s nephews to ascertain how they were taking the announcement, for such a gift would necessarily come out of their inheritance. This time she thought she perceived a sense of irritation which they were making an effort to conceal.

It would be a wonderful thing to do! she added. I would be glad to attempt the automobile trip for that reason, if for nothing else.

I will even modify it to a safe journey to Lima, where your friend lives, said Miss Vaughn. If you can reach there—

We can! We can! exclaimed Daisy, rapturously. And we’ll start soon!

As soon as your car comes back from the repair shop, concluded their hostess; inside of ten days—at the latest.