Florence. Why wear such a sad and solemn face, Bettina?
Betty. I can’t find Effie anywhere.
Florence. I can, then.
Betty. Oh, where is she, Floss? I was in the library, reading up for my essay, and stayed overtime. Of course the omnipresent Dunham had to meander down the corridor as I was hiking for my room, and I got an impo.
Vivian. You’d have got two, Betty mine, if the very precise and proper Dunham had heard you make use of that very expressive and slangy verb “to hike.”
Betty. Well, when I got to my room Effie wasn’t there. I thought she was hiding and hunted everywhere. But she just wasn’t there.
Florence. Had you looked in mine you’d have found her in bed with Hazel. I room with you tonight. I got permission from Mrs. Waterman herself to exchange for tonight.
Betty. How?
Florence. In ways best kept secret. An’ ye love me, ask me no questions, I pray thee.