"Our trunks must be out of here by night," she said. "They take them to the trunk-room. Mine's ready."
"And mine," said Ellen Ritter.
She slammed down the lid, and pulled the trunk into the hall, and Mabel pushed hers after it. Two small, cleared spaces were left, otherwise there was no change in the appearance of the room. The girls did not return, even to close the door. Sarah, staring after them, saw a smiling young woman poise for an instant on the sill, a hand on either jamb.
"Well, Laura Miflin!" she said.
The speed with which Sarah had flown to meet William upon his return from Alaska was no greater than that with which Laura crossed the room.
"Helen Ellingwood!" she cried. "What are you doing here?"
"I am going to teach Elocution. Why haven't you written to me? I didn't even know you were married. I live next door. And who is this, and how are you?" And Miss Ellingwood pushed aside a pile of books and underclothes and collars and sat down on the edge of the bed. "These things don't belong 'to you nor none of your family,' I hope?"
Laura shook her head.
"This is my sister-in-law, Sarah Wenner, question number one. I am very well and very happy, question number two. No, these do not belong 'to me nor none of my family,' question number three. What would you do with them?"
"Spank the owners. Perhaps they'll clear up, though. The first day is always demoralizing. Now tell me everything you can think of."