"Pooh! It'll taste so good we'll forget our arms ache when we get the very first spoonful!"
Elf was not sure about that, but Vera had a way of speaking as if what she said settled the matter, so although not convinced, Elf made no reply. "Come! Help me put these things away," cried Vera. "We don't want any one to know about our fine little after-bedtime party, and we ought to hide our treat before some one comes to our door."
So the cakes and fudge were placed on the shelf in the closet, where with the big can full of oysters and milk they became close neighbors with the hat-boxes.
Then Vera and Elf sat down to prepare their lessons for the next day.
They had invited Betty Chase and her chum, Valerie Dare, to spend the evening with them, and enjoy the treat.
They were to go to bed at the usual time, have their light out at nine o'clock, and as soon as they heard Miss Fenler pass down the hall, and then descend the stairs, they were to open their door softly, close it behind them, and then, with greatest caution, make their way along the hall to Vera's room.
Night came, their lessons were prepared for the morrow, their lights were out, when they heard Miss Fenler pass their door, then,—why did she return and pass the door a second time?
Was it imagination, or did she pause before going on?
Their hearts beat faster, and Valerie laid her hand over hers, she afterward said, to hush it so that the dreaded Miss Fenler might not hear it.
"Has she gone?" whispered Betty, to which Valerie, who was nearest the door, replied with a low, "Sh—!"