“Had you ever seen this hut before?” asked Lilian.
“No; I only found this place to climb up a day or two ago, when I was looking for places to take you.”
“I wish we could get inside,” said Isabel.
“Could you see anything through the windows?”
“Not a thing, and there is only one door.”
“Well, keep away from the place and I will make some quiet inquiry.”
“We are not permitted to come this far without some chaperone now,” Hilary informed him.
“Very good,” said Dr. Norris.
But not very soon was the purpose of this little building discovered. Perhaps it might have been, if any one had taken it up seriously. But both girls and teachers at Greycliff had their hands full with their daily tasks and the different occasions of importance that marked the year.
The time of the recital came all too soon, according to the performers, who, if the truth were told, never would be quite ready. Much was made of it by the faculty and the program was conducted with a graceful formality. The girls wore their best frocks and fluttered about in a state of excitement. Lilian in a pink dress that matched her cheeks, and Eloise in a creamy, lacy frock, were both on the program in song, and, as they said, were now able to remain friends. Lilian, alas, as she had feared, was obliged to appear with her violin. But as she was waiting for the announcement which would call her to the platform, she was amazed, so she told Hilary afterward, to hear her teacher tell one of the other teachers that “Mees North” was one of the most intelligent pupils he had. “She have the gift,” he added. Hearing this, Lilian determined to do her best for him, and was nerved to put a little more expression into her playing than she would have done, perhaps, without that encouragement.