She felt that she had gained her idol's everlasting displeasure by intruding at such a time.
But the next instant Betty's face cleared, and the brown eyes smiled in the way that always made her friends wherever she went.
"What is it, Dora ?" she asked, kindly.

Dora, who could only stammer an embarrassed reply, held out the letter.

Then she stood with toes turned in, and both hands fumbling nervously with her belt ribbon, while Betty broke the seal.
"I--I hope it isn't bad news," she managed to say at last.

"I--I'd hate to bring _you_ bad news." Betty looked up with a smile which brought Dora's heart into her throat.
"Thank you, dear," she answered, cordially.

Then, as her eye travelled farther down the page, she gave a cry of pleasure.
"Oh, it is perfectly lovely news, Dora.