“Mercy, Nan!” whispered Bess, peering over her chum’s shoulder, “it looks horribly like a baby’s coffin.”
“I—I’d rather you didn’t take that out, Mrs. Cupp,” said Nan, hastily.
“What?” repeated the lady, eyeing Nan suspiciously through her glasses.
“No, ma’am! please don’t take it out,” fluttered Nan.
“You wish to let it remain in my care, then, do you?” asked Mrs. Cupp, drily.
“Ye—yes, ma’am,” Nan murmured.
Bess’ eyes were big with wonder. Her chum had a secret that was not known to her!
Some of the other girls were listeners, too. Linda Riggs was impatiently awaiting her turn to have Mrs. Cupp examine the contents of her trunk. She tossed her head and said, in scarcely a muffled tone, to Cora Courtney:
“That Sherwood girl has probably succeeded in taking something and hiding it in her trunk. I told you, Cora, how she came so near getting away with my new bag when I was not looking.”
“Why, her bag is just like yours, Linda,” said Cora.