Rachel turned just in time to see Betty Wales disappearing hastily through the nearest exit.
“She was here a moment ago,” Rachel corrected herself, “but I—I thank you—the class thanks the donor—and promises to——”
That was all that Betty Wales heard, except the deafening thunder of applause. “I should die if I had to make a speech,” she thought, rushing past Babbie with an incoherent murmur about being in a hurry. Once safely outside the gym. she paused, wishing the others would come out quickly. They had planned to go for a long trolley-ride late in the afternoon and take supper together at a little country inn, and the time and place of meeting were yet to be decided upon. Before she had decided what to do, Madeline Ayres, who had persuaded the Belden House matron to let her stay as long as the ushers did, and Bob Parker bore down upon her.
“Guess what we’ve found,” called Madeline.
“I don’t know,” said Betty, faintly, wondering if they could possibly have been deputed to return her to the gym.
“You look as if you’d seen a ghost,” said Bob. “Haven’t you had any lunch?”
Betty nodded. “Oh, yes, plenty, thank you. I’ve—I’ve been hurrying.”
“I can’t imagine why,” said Madeline, “when your trunk is packed and Mary Brooks’s last relative went this noon. Listen, Betty. We’ve found Georgia Ames.”
Betty stared in amazement.