“It is in one way, but not in another.”
“You rouse my curiosity to the highest pitch. Let’s hurry.”
Miss Rindy was as astonished to see Reed as she was glad to see Ellen. “I’d like to know where you came from!” she exclaimed as the two entered. “I told you not to get up till noon, and I told Beulah to lock that door.”
“You forgot there are windows, a porch roof, and posts, dear madam.”
“Don’t you madam me; I’m a spinster, you sly, crafty youth. Well, Ellen, you did get back safe, thanks to this boy. I hope you’re none the worse for your outing.”
“Not a bit. I hope you are none the worse for your vigil.”
“As if I wasn’t used to sitting up all night. I did it times without number over there in France, and often enough before that.” She was not going to let Ellen think that she had been anxious about her.
Here Mabel, accompanied by Tom, entered. “I feel as if I had been away a year,” exclaimed the girl. “I hope I find you well, Miss Crump.”
“As well as anybody could feel after all this hulla-baloo. Getting me up at the dead hours of the night with a crazy tale of castaways.”
“Oh, but you were up already, Miss Rindy,” declared Reed.