“She looked awfully bothered yesterday evening. And did not say one word while she was undressing——”
“Do you think it’s anything about the Cup?”
Suddenly, in the midst of the chattering, came the summons from the bell. Lines were made, as usual, without more speaking; in single file the girls made their way into the Hall—all but one; the Mascot’s place was empty, and Gerry felt Miss Carey’s glance rest for a moment longer upon the vacant space as her eye travelled down the Hall.
But prayers were said, the roll was called; then, before the order came to leave the room, the headmistress stood up and looked down steadily at the lines before her.
“It appears that Betty Carlyle is missing. Will any girl who can give any reason—possible or probable: any reason at all!—for her absence, stand out from the lines while the rest file out.”
Gerry, three minutes afterwards, found herself standing alone in the big Oak Room while the headmistress descended from the little platform and came to her side.
“Well, Geraldine?”
“Miss Carey, I think—I’m almost sure, that Betty has gone to Witch’s Wood!”
* * * * * *
“But—!” said Betty.