“Who won the game?” Phyllis demanded.
“We did,” Ricky said, “because you played so well before——”
“Before Marcia Marlette cracked you with her hockey stick,” Janet added savagely.
“She didn’t do it,” Phyllis said wearily. “No one can say who did it. Sticks were flying in all directions.”
Janet said nothing more but she and Gale exchanged significant glances. The girls did not stay long after that. It was evident that Phyllis was tired and they thoughtfully took their leave early, but Phyllis detained Gale long after the others. Gale held her friend’s hand until Phyllis was asleep then she softly left the room.
Slowly, deep in thought, Gale stepped from the infirmary building to the campus. A chill night wind had sprung up. She turned toward the gymnasium. She was still in her hockey suit. She would have to go to the lockers and change before going to the sorority house.
Dinner had been an hour ago but she scarcely missed the comfort of her meal. She had been so worried about Phyllis she did not realize how time had flown past. Finding the janitor was an easy task. He unlocked the door to the gymnasium for her and she wasted no time in going to the lockers for her things. Stepping again onto the campus, now warm in her woollen jacket, Gale caught sight of the Dean crossing the campus to her home. Dean Travis beckoned to Gale and waited until the Freshman joined her.
“How is your friend?” she asked immediately.
Gale told her.
“You missed your dinner, didn’t you?” the Dean continued. “Come home with me. We will dine together.”