Rosie went upstairs with the note, but her knock at the door received no response. After another gentle rap she opened the door, to find the room vacated. The bed-clothing was thrown back and the windows wide open.
“Faix, they’ve been shpirited away,” thought the astonished maid. “If this ain’t the quarest family! I’ll be l’avin’ if things goes on like this.”
Uncertain how to proceed, she returned to the kitchen, and sat down with folded hands to await developments.
Helen came downstairs next. Seeing nobody around, she went into the kitchen, and looked amazed at the solitary Rosie.
“Where is everybody?” began Helen.
“Sure, I don’t know, mum. Thim as was in the house wint out, and the rest was gone before.”
“Well, of all performances!” And Helen wandered out to the front veranda, and discovered Jessie there.
Now the front door of Hilarity Hall was at the side, and so faced Aunt Molly’s front door, which was also on the side. And just as the two puzzled-looking maidens met on their veranda, Aunt Molly stepped out on hers.
“Good morning, girlies! Had your breakfast?”
“No,” said they.