“This isn’t the first spread I’ve attended,” she said, “and I hope it won’t be the last. I’ve had too good a time. I had an idea the old laundry would prove an inviting place to-night, but I never attend a feast without my tub and candle—or electric light in this twentieth century—for, like another mortal who had a fancy for tubs and a candle, I am in search of honest folk.
“Your spread was a great success, girls. Only next time let me know beforehand. I may not be able to be present in person, but I can still furnish the tub and light, and it will be a comfort to me to know the menu in order to guard against future ills. Good-night. I’m ready for my bed, and I shouldn’t wonder if you were, too,” and, with a flourish of her red cap and big spoon, Miss Preston slipped through the door.
Some very wise ghosts sped away through the dark corridors, and whispered conversations were held far into the “wee, sma’ hours.”
The next day the story was all over the school, and met with various comments. One of Miss Preston’s combined torments and blessings was the teacher of chemistry, a thoroughly conscientious woman, and exceptionally capable, but a woman who took life very seriously. Miss Preston used to say that Mrs. Stone must have been forty years old when she was born, and consequently had missed all her child and girlhood. She was kind and just to the girls, but could not for the life of her understand why they must have fun, and that fun in secret was twice the fun that everybody knew about.
Well Miss Preston knew that Mrs. Stone would take advantage of her privilege as an old friend, as well as one of the oldest teachers, and come in her solemn way to discuss the latest escapade, pro and con, so she was not in the least surprised when there came a light tap upon her door that afternoon, and Mrs. Stone entered. “‘Save me from my friends,’” quoted Miss Preston, under her breath.
CHAPTER X
“THEY COULD NEVER DECEIVE ME”
“Well, Mrs. Stone, what can I do for you, and why such a serious expression?”