Sim hurried to the instrument while the other girls looked at one another, laughter in their eyes and with hearts beating faster.
“Our old friend of the orchard masquerade,” said Arden.
“Do you suppose he’s going to vanish again—take another name and get into some other mystery?” asked Terry.
“I hope he’s coming here to spend Christmas!” Dot was very frank in her desires. “It would be a change from ghosts and musty old houses.”
“Hush!” warned Arden. “The phone is open—he’ll hear us.”
They were chattering loudly near where Sim was speaking and listening over the telephone. They heard her say:
“Oh, but how nice! Of course!—Come right over. We’ll have dinner in a little while, and there’ll be a place for you.—Oh, yes, we have been very busy.—What?—I’ll tell you when you come over. But what are you doing in this part of the country?—We thought you were enjoying your millions.—Oh, getting even with me, I see—you’ll tell us when you get here.—Yes, this place is easy to find. All the taxi men know it. See you later!”
Sim danced back through the hall to where her friends waited with anxiety to hear the other half of the conversation.
“Was it really Harry Pangborn?” demanded Arden.
“Of course it was and is! He’s coming over!” Sim laughed merrily.