"Up to the Great Lakes," replied the aviatrix, vaguely. "I bought my own gas and oil, but I feel I owe the Club ten dollars for the use of the plane.... I—I'll pay myself!"
They all smiled, for Bess Hulbert was still treasurer of the club.
"Don't be silly!" protested Kitty. "You're a member of the club."
"But I was using the plane for business—not for pleasure."
"Just what is your business, Miss Hulbert?" inquired Ralph.
The girl colored; she did not like his tone. It was a bitter blow to her pride that this rich young man had never fallen for her charms.
"Fish!" she replied mockingly. "Poor fish!"
Everybody laughed, not knowing whether she was serious or not, and this time the joke seemed to be on Ralph.
"You didn't see Linda or Louise—in the course of your trip, did you?" asked Dot Crowley.
"Linda—Louise—?" Miss Hulbert was stalling for time.