“We’ll come to see you again when you’re not so busy,” Betty promised Miss Carter, who gave them a sad little smile but didn’t offer any objection to their leaving the Blunderbuss in possession.
“Well, haven’t we had a funny time?” said Eleanor, when they were outside. “Did you know that Miss Carter tutored in French?”
“No,” answered Betty. “Helen never gave me the impression that she was poor. Her room doesn’t look much as if she was helping to put herself through college, does it?”
“Not a bit,” agreed Eleanor, “nor her clothes, and yet Miss Harrison certainly acted as if she had come on business.”
“Yes, exactly like Rachel’s pupils. They always come bouncing in late, when she’s given them up and we’re all having a lovely time. Miss Carter acted businesslike too. She seemed to expect us to go.”
“Well then, what about Jean?” asked Eleanor. “I couldn’t make her out at all. Has she struck up some sort of queer friendship with Miss Carter or was she being tutored too?”
Betty gave a little gasp of dismay. “Oh, I don’t know. I hoped you would. You see—she’s trying for a part in the play.”
“Then she can’t be conditioned,” said Eleanor easily. “Teddie Wilson has advertised the rule about that far and wide, poor child.”
“And you don’t think Jean could possibly not have heard of it?” Betty asked anxiously.
“Why, I shouldn’t think so, but you might ask her to make sure. She certainly acted very much as if we had caught her at something she was ashamed of. Would you mind coming just a little way down-town, Betty? I want to buy some violets and a new magazine.”