Yesterday Gale had received a telegram with the news that Miss Fields would be in Briarhurst this afternoon for merely an hour. As a result Doctor Norcot and Gale were going to the railroad station to meet her when Ricky had descended on them with the news that she was going along. Gale was glad of the other girl’s companionship for the Doctor was strangely silent.
The train was late and Gale found it hard to conceal her impatience. She was impatient for Phyllis’ Aunt to arrive and yet she dreaded meeting her. The Adventure Girls had always feared the silent woman in the house on the hill. Now Gale did not fancy giving her the news about Phyllis. She would let Doctor Norcot handle the situation.
The woman that descended from the train was the same stern person Gale had known in Marchton. What change she had expected Gale did not know. She only felt now, suddenly, definitely, that Phyllis’ case was lost before it was ever presented. This woman would not be charitable or generous.
The three had planned to take her to the one restaurant in the little village for luncheon. There, seated in a booth by themselves, Gale let Doctor Norcot tell Miss Fields all about Phyllis while she and Ricky listened.
The Doctor was eloquent in her praise of Phyllis. In the end she stressed particularly the need for the operation.
Gale forgot the dessert before her. With the silent Ricky she watched the sharp features of the woman opposite her. Miss Fields was regarding the plate before her with unwavering eyes. Not a flicker of emotion disturbed her features. Doctor Norcot glanced at Gale and smiled, a peculiarly baffled smile. Phyllis’ chances now lay in Miss Fields’ hands alone. Beneath the table Ricky’s hand caught hold of Gale’s.
Miss Fields glanced at her watch and rose. “It is almost time for my return train. Perhaps we should go.”
The girls exchanged glances with the Doctor and followed Miss Fields from the restaurant. Silently they walked back to the station. The hour that Phyllis’ Aunt proposed to spend in Briarhurst was up. Already her train was approaching.
“But aren’t you going to see Phyllis?” Ricky demanded finally. She could be quiet no longer.
“What have you decided?” Gale asked breathlessly.