None of the girls had forgotten all this, and now Hope and Caroline expected to enjoy the surprise of their respective families upon their first sight of Shirley. “You will not mind, will you, Shirley, if anybody takes you for Sidney?” Caroline asked.
“I am used to it by this time,” said Shirley, “and this time I shall know why Chicago people, or some of them, think that they know me.”
CHAPTER XV.
AN ACCIDENTAL MEETING.
Long since Sidney Thorne had spoken to Shirley, for she found out that her suspicions of an intent to embarrass her were entirely unfounded. Her manner toward Shirley had not even been unfriendly for some time but when she found that Shirley was going to Chicago as the guest of Caroline, she was almost indignant. The girls knew that it would be embarrassing for her. Why did they invite Shirley? Now, unless she wanted to have complications arise, she could not invite Shirley to the affairs that she wanted to have for the Double Three. Well, she would just leave Shirley out, if she did come from the same school. You did not have to be intimate with everybody!
Such was Sidney’s attitude. Shirley thought of it, too, and felt rather sorry for Sidney, supposing, of course, that Sidney wanted to be courteous, as she had always been except on that one occasion, which had never been explained between them. But it would not affect Shirley’s good time in the least.
The Double Threes had gone on ahead, leaving on the first train, with the exception of Hope Holland, who waited for Caroline and Shirley, the three preferring to go by themselves, though it was only a tacit understanding among them.
How jolly it was to have no lessons and to be facing the best vacation of the year in thrills and Christmas festivities. Shirley’s winter coat was all that could be desired, and she was to buy a new hat in Chicago, though the hat which she had brought, with her coat, was becoming and still good. Sidney would have no reason to be ashamed of her double.
Cards from Hope and Caroline had warned their families of showing too much surprise at a remarkable resemblance between Shirley Harcourt and Sidney Thorne. As a result, while they were almost startled, in spite of the warning, there was to be no embarrassing moment for Shirley.
She was to go first to Hope’s; but at the station two cars met the girls, one from each household. Mr. Scott reached them first and was introduced to Shirley. “I have met you once before, Mr. Scott,” said Shirley after shaking hands.
“Why, when, my child?” asked kindly Mr. Scott.