“May I stay here till the storm is over?” asked the girl.
“Certainly.”
If it had not been so hot, Mary Louise would have told Elsie to sleep with them. But three in a bed, and a rather uncomfortable bed at that, was too close quarters on a night like this.
The storm lasted for perhaps an hour, while the girls sat chatting together. As the thundering subsided, Jane began to yawn.
“Suppose I go up to the attic and sleep with Elsie?” she said to Mary Louise, “if you’re not afraid to stay in this room by yourself.”
“Of course I’m not!” replied her chum. “I think that’s a fine idea, and your being there will prevent Elsie from being nervous and hearing things. Does it suit you, Elsie?”
“Yes! Oh, I’d love it! If you’re sure you don’t mind, Mary Louise.”
“I don’t expect to mind anything in about five minutes,” yawned Mary Louise. “I’m dead for sleep.”
She was correct in her surmise: she knew nothing at all until the bright sunshine was pouring into her room and Jane wakened her by throwing a pillow at her head.
“Wake up, lazybones!” she cried. “Don’t you realize that today is the picnic?”