As she dropped, breathless, into a chair, Cathalina bent over her saying in a hollow voice, “Only the witch may receive your message. What did you see?”
“I’ll tell you afterward, Cathie,” whispered Betty, “I really did see something, but don’t tell anybody.”
“The response is satisfactory. Depart. Take this memento of your adventure,” and Cathalina pinned on Betty a black cat badge. “Refreshments are served at the other end of the hall at the booth.”
Betty adjusted her mask and joined the other revelers outside the curtained place of mysteries. Cider, doughnuts and fudge tasted good after her last exciting adventure, and she parted with several more nickels, for the girls had decided to meet the expense of their refreshments in this way, except in the case of their guests, who were to be served free. It was a pretty scene, the gay dresses, the yellow and black decorations, the odd witches who were in charge, the movement and life among the maskers.
Miss Randolph permitted later hours than usual, and it was a tired but satisfied company of girls who left the society hall after the last doughnut had been eaten and the last drop of sweet cider drained from the little glass cups and the big “punch” bowl. Lilian had been a fairy, and danced into Lakeview Suite as if she were just beginning the evening.
“I couldn’t do that,” said Hilary, as Lilian whirled around two or three times on her toes.
“Poor old Hilary; no wonder, with all the decorating you did, and served all evening nearly in the booth.”
“I just loved my pansy costume, Cathalina; come and help me off with it, and I will help you off with your witch’s garments. Good-night, Hilary, and Lilian, ‘airy fairy Lilian’!”
“Good-night. Shall I set the alarm for six?”
“Yes, Hilary, please,” replied Cathalina, “we hate to, but we have to!”