Fetzer presently dried her tears and, remembering a message which was to be delivered to Miss Knowlton, smoothed her hair which was already smooth and went down to the office. When she entered both women looked up in surprise.
"Where is Ellen?" asked Miss MacVane. "Is she going to stay? It's too early to go back to school."
"Ellen," repeated Fetzer. "Is she here? Do you mean our Ellen?"
Miss MacVane grew a little pale and Miss Knowlton turned her head quickly.
"She came in a long time ago and I sent her to find you. I told her that Dr. Lanfair was in his room and that you'd take her to speak to him."
"Did she go upstairs the front way?" asked Fetzer.
"She must have," answered Miss Knowlton.
"How long ago was this, then?"
"A half-hour," said Miss MacVane.
"It's much longer than that," corrected Miss Knowlton. She rose, her cheeks scarlet. Ellen should have followed directions.