Friday was the day for the gymnasium class. This was a novelty to Patty, and she greatly enjoyed it, for she was fond of physical exercise.
Lorraine did not attend gymnasium, for, as she had said, she hated exercise of any kind, and the class was not compulsory.
But Clementine was there, and as the girls stood or sat around, resting after some calisthenics, she came over to Patty.
“You’re fond of this sort of thing, aren’t you?” she said, with such frank good-humour that Patty responded at once.
“Yes, I love it; I love any kind of vigorous exercise. Rowing, or swimming, or out-of-door games I like the best; but this is splendid fun. I’ve never been in a gymnasium before.”
“Haven’t you? You take to it all so readily I thought you knew all about it. You’ll like the club-swinging. We’ll have that next week.”
“I won’t be here next week.”
Patty said this involuntarily. She had not meant to announce it so abruptly, but she spoke before she thought.
“Why not?” exclaimed Clementine, looking dismayed. “Don’t you like the school?”
“No,” said Patty, feeling suddenly an irresistible desire to probe the mystery. “No—I don’t. I suppose it’s my own fault, but if so, I don’t know why. None of the girls like me, they will scarcely speak to me; and I’m not accustomed to being treated that way.” Patty’s voice trembled a little, and a suggestion of tears came into her blue eyes, but she stood her ground bravely, for she was not whining, and she knew it; but she felt that the time had come for an explanation.