“Not much to tell,” replied Sally, “except that I just turned on her and defied her.  I felt the time had passed for intimidation, and I told her so.”

“Good for you, Kitten,” and Bobbie demonstrated her approval.  “I always knew your spunk was just smoldering, ready to burst into flame at the right moment.  Now, I saw the cause of Dol’s disquietude.  Her shop is closed, shut up tight, barred windows and a cute little white sign tacked right under the former artistic door.  The sign reads ‘To Let’ and it is easy to imagine the crepe hanging from the knocker.”

“She told me she lost a lot—­by the arrest of Madam Z, and do you know, Bobbie, that woman was a real lunatic?”

“Of course I know it.  Didn’t I ride horseback with her?  But they are all gone now and as the poet says:  ‘Good riddance.’  Come along, Kitten, and eat grub.  That’s a function I decline to omit, Dol Vin or any other threat hanging over my poor bobbed head.  Come on, dear, cheer up!  The worst is yet to come!”

“Wait a minute, please do, Bobbie.  I just can’t think straight.  You know every afternoon now there is an open forum or a class meeting and I wish we could go before we run into a further danger.”

“Oh, no, dearie, don’t think of that,” cheered Bobbie, strangely irrepressible ever since the big dance.  “You can’t tell yet what may happen.  Stay on the burning deck until the fog horn blows, then take to the life-boats, is my plan of action.  I hope we have a substantial meal right now, for paying up bills and collecting receipts is painfully appetising.  Come on, dear, and smile while the smiling is good.”

“But just suppose Jane or Judy should drop in on us this afternoon and see the things packed up?”

“Tell them I am eloping, break the news gently and blame it on me.  I feel as if I could stand for any monumental conspiracy that was ever conspired.  I am that experienced in intrigue.  Perhaps I’ll apply for a government position in the diplomatic corps.  I believe I could carry it off beautifully, brass buttons, plumes and all.  There’s Dolly.  Just look at her hair!  Like an escaped watch spring.”

“Did you meet any little fairy in your walk?  Some one who has promised immunity?  You seem tragically jolly?”

“No, not a fairy, nor yet a ghost.  This is just my natural reaction.  And while I think of it, Kit,” she let the door slam violently, “don’t forget I have not reformed.  I positively refuse to be any better than I ever was; I have simply developed, and outgrown the antagonistic influence of some defunct ancestors.  Oh, how good it all seems here today?  I believe I am glad Dol came and went and took her particular influence with her.  Wasn’t it lucky I had called in my head and that she didn’t leave me with one side done and one side undone?  Wonder if we will notice any painfully deserted blondes in her wake?”

It might be the reaction, but Sally could not help wondering why Bobbie was in such high spirits.  Then she recalled the old saying, “Too much joy is sorrowful,” and hoped her chum’s joy would not be thus rudely transformed.