Hilda nodded. Never again would she ignore an urgent telegram, though she did not believe that this telegram had any real importance. She attributed it to Sarah's increasing incompetence and hysterical foolishness.
"I wonder whether I can get on to Brighton to-night if I take the six train?" Hilda asked, and to herself: "Can it have anything to do with George?"
Alicia, endowed with authority, went in search of a Bradshaw. But the quest was fruitless. In the Five Towns the local time-table, showing the connections with London, suffices for the citizen, and the breast-pocket of no citizen is complete without it.
"Clayhangers are bound to have a Bradshaw," cried Alicia, breathless with running about the house.
"Of course they are," Janet agreed.
"I'll walk down there now," said Hilda, with extraordinary promptitude. "It won't take five minutes."
"I'd go," said Alicia, "only I should be late for school."
"Shall I send some one down?" Janet suggested. "You might be taken dizzy again."
"No, thanks," Hilda replied deliberately. "I'll go--myself. There's nothing wrong with me at all."
"You'll have to be sharp over it," said Alicia pertly. "Don't forget it's Thursday. They shut up at two, and it's not far off two now."