She had hopes that something really wonderful would develop from her remarkable experience, and while she would have liked to tell Madaline and Cleo, she feared antagonistic opinions, and, as it was entirely her own personal secret, and not a matter of girl scout business, or even chums’ interest, it seemed decidedly better to keep her own precious counsel.

“I’ll tell them all when it happens!” she assured herself, by no means being certain just what she hoped “would happen.”

So the mystic letter was tucked away in the tiny, pink silk vanity bag, which Cleo had given Grace the Christmas before, and in the days following only her starry eyes threatened to betray the interesting fact, that the little Tenderfoot harbored a dark, delicious secret.

Meanwhile Rose had taken her place in the Franklin mill and was being cared for by the benevolent Mrs. Cosgrove as a member of her family.

“It was really providential,” Molly told her mother one day at lunch, after having seen for the second time the parents of Dagmar Brodix, “for the family had to leave Pennsylvania, and it would have been very hard for them to take Rose along.  It seems Mr. Brodix would not join the union, and both he and his wife had to be discharged to appease the labor men.  Rose, too, would have been ordered out, as the whole family come under the ban imposed on the father.”

“Poor folks!” deplored Mrs. Cosgrove.  “Those unions won’t let anybody think for themselves!  Where are they going?”

“Away down east to a big silk mill,” replied the daughter.  “Mr. Brodix knew the superintendent in his own country, and got in the shop without a union card.  But it is much better for Rose to stay with us until they get settled at least.”

“I took such a fancy to that child the moment I set eyes on her!” Mrs. Cosgrove explained to Molly.

“You always do, Mumsey!” laughed the daughter, “but I entirely agree with you this time.  Where is Rose now?”

“Just gone to the post-office.  She came in at twelve and finished her dinner in time for a bit of fresh air before going back.  How is she getting on in her work?”

“First rate, the forelady reports.  Rose is naturally quiet, and as you predict, Mother, it is very important for her to be among new companions.  A girl’s pretty face is not always a help to her best interests.”

“Exactly, Molly.  Everybody seems to pick on a pretty girl, while they leave the homely ones to tend their own business.  But your dad is much worried about that other damsel who got away.  There is no trace of her at all.”

“Yes, she made a clear escape.  I heard one of the mill detectives making some inquiries.  He did not have to question Rose.  I gave him our end of it.  I am afraid that other girl has gotten herself into more trouble.  The detective did not say so outright, but I judged so from his line of questions.”

“Your father said as much, but like the detective, our own ‘cop’ isn’t giving us all the information he holds.  I’m glad the mill officials see the value of the girl scout movement.  It’s the only fair way to reach the girls without forcing them.  Let them take a hand in their own interest—­I always say.”