Ruth said nothing; she knew it would be of no avail. For by this time she was beginning to realize Marjorie's popularity, and considered it more discreet not to oppose her openly.
Accordingly, Marjorie got her way. She had two months left in which to trace Frieda, and, if she found her, to offer her a new chance. The whole affair had grown to be an obsession with her; it seemed as if she desired it more than anything else in the world.
It was still very cold when the first Saturday in April arrived; but Miss Phillips told the girls to be prepared to hike, no matter what the weather might be. Early in the afternoon they started off, well fortified against the cold.
"We are going to the cabin to-day," announced the Captain, as they walked along in a group. "Mr. Remington and two of the boys will be there to give us a lesson in the use of an axe."
"Which two boys?" asked Doris innocently, betraying the fact that she was more interested in the boys than in learning woodcraft.
Everybody laughed.
"I won't tell you!" replied Miss Phillips, ever mysterious; and each girl secretly hoped it was the boy she liked best.
"It certainly is cold for April," remarked Ethel.
"Yes; it's an east wind, too," observed Miss Phillips. "And in this part of the country, that means rain."
"How do you know it's an east wind, Captain?" asked Marjorie.