To the gossip of the school Mrs. White was apparently oblivious—if not oblivious, impervious. Her interest in the girls was rather indifferent, except for a chosen few, upon whom she bestowed a good deal of attention. Annabel Jackson was one of her special favorites.
Blue Bonnet found before the walk ended that Mrs. White had charge of the floor upon which she roomed, and a number of other things incident to school life and discipline.
Blue Bonnet had barely laid aside her things after returning from the walk when a knock at the door startled her. She opened it, admitting Annabel, Ruth, and Sue Hemphill.
"We came over to help you unpack," Annabel announced. "Three of us can do it quickly, and then perhaps you will come over to my room for a cup of tea. We have a whole hour to ourselves now."
Blue Bonnet was grateful, but a little embarrassed. She didn't especially care to open her trunk and bare its contents to utter strangers; but Sue was already tugging at the straps, and Ruth opening bureau drawers preparatory to putting things away.
Blue Bonnet took the key from her purse and unlocked the trunk.
As the gowns and underwear, hats and shoes, tumbled forth, there were exclamations of delight and approval.
"Oh, what a love of a hat! Do get out of the way, Ruth, so I can try it on;" this from Annabel.
"And, oh, what a sweet organdy! Where did you get that white wool Peter Thompson? I've searched the town for one."
Blue Bonnet turned from unwrapping something very dear to her to answer Sue.