CHAPTER V
As Ragna entered the pension Astrid came out of the drawing-room to meet her.
"Oh, Ragna, where on earth have you been all day? We have been so anxious! We were afraid you were lost or kidnapped or something. And the dominoes have come, do come and try yours on!"
"The dominoes?" asked Ragna dully.
"Why Ragna Andersen! The dominoes for the veglione!" She turned and looked at Ragna attentively as they passed under a swinging lamp in the passage.
"Ragna, you are ill!" she cried, "you are as white as a sheet! What has happened?"
"Nothing," said Ragna, "I got caught in the carnival crowd and pushed about—that's all, and I am tired out."
"Well, in the name of common sense, what made you stay out all day when you knew we were going to the veglione to-night? I believe you won't be able to go at all!"
"Oh, yes I shall," said Ragna, making a desperate effort to pull herself together—no one must know, no one guess her secret! "Astrid, do be an angel—if I rest quietly for two or three hours I shall be as fit as ever—do explain it to your mother and Hagerup, and have some dinner sent me in my room. I want to lie down, and I won't have time if I have to dress for dinner. Do now, there's a dear!"