They made their way decorously to the dining hall, entered as unobtrusively as possible, and slipped quietly to their seats.
In spite of all their precautions, their entrance was observed by practically everybody in the room. Friends of the chums, who were in the majority, pretended not to see them. Their few enemies, led by Amanda Peabody and her shadow, Eliza Dilks, stared openly and tittered.
Billie did not raise her eyes from her plate as Connie Danvers, seated beside her, passed the cold meat and salad.
“Fill up your plate, quick,” whispered Connie. “Maybe Debsy didn’t notice you.”
“Such a chance!” returned Billie, scarcely moving her lips. “I can feel her eagle eye on me now!”
Through the steady murmur of voices and the clatter of plates and cutlery broke the deep, husky voice of the redoubtable Miss Debbs.
“Beatrice Bradley! Stand, if you please!”
Billie shot a sidelong glance at Connie Danvers.
“I’m in for it now!” she whispered, and got to her feet.
“Yes, Miss Debbs,” she said politely.