She stopped and leaned against a tree, tired out and disappointed. But she resolutely conquered her desire to cry: whatever happened, she must not break down before a freshman!
"Let's go back," she said. "I'm awfully tired."
"We might as well," said Alice. "For whoever has borrowed it will be sure to bring it back by supper time."
"Perhaps; but somehow I feel as if it were gone forever! I can't tell you why——"
"Oh, please don't worry, Marj!" begged the younger girl. "Nobody would take it!"
They went to Marjorie's room, and discussed the occurrence over and over. Alice stayed until half-past five, when Lily came back from tennis.
"Too dark to play!" cried Lily as she threw open the door. "Heavens, why sit in darkness?"
Marjorie and Alice had hardly noticed the gradually deepening twilight, so wrapped up were they in the event of the afternoon. They blinked as Lily flashed on the lights.
"Who won?" asked Marjorie, half-heartedly.