"Don't you dare giggle when we get in there," warned Judith in a whisper, as Jane rapped sharply on the door. "We must make an imposing appearance if we can," she added with a grin. "Who knows? I may giggle myself."
True to her word, it was Alicia who admitted them with, "Hello, girls! Come in."
As the three entered, a figure lolling in a Morris chair by the window sprang up with an angry exclamation.
"I will not have these people in my room, Alicia Reynolds! Do you hear me? I won't!"
Elsie Noble had turned on Alicia, her small black eyes snapping.
"Half this room happens to be mine," tranquilly reminded Alicia. "Have a seat, girls."
"No, thank you. We won't stay long enough for that." Jane's tone was equally composed. "We came to see you, Miss Noble."
"I won't stay," shrieked the enraged girl, and started for the door.
Alicia reached it ahead of her. Calmly turning the key, she dropped it into her blouse pocket.
"Yes; you will stay, Elsie," she said with quiet decision. "You tried to make trouble between Jane and me. We've found you out. Now, you'll listen to what Jane has to say to you. If you don't, you may be sorry."