"I can't understand it a bit," she began, when the door was opened again—abruptly, and Alison appeared—a pale and dismayed Alison with wide frightened eyes.

"Girls—have you hidden it on purpose, just to frighten me? Please don't tease me, but tell me it is just a joke. I know you only meant to frighten me!"

"Why, Alison, what can you mean? We haven't done a thing," said Kathy, speaking for them all.

Alison flung herself across the bed, already sufficiently occupied by three substantial girls. Joan caught her and pulled her into her lap.

"Here," she said, shaking Alison roughly by the shoulder. "No hysterics, or I'll slap you. Just tell us what is the matter."

Thus importuned, Alison checked her sobs and raised a tragic face. "My lamp! I'll never see it again!"

"Nonsense. How could you never see it again? Tell us. Is it broken?"

"It's gone!"

"Gone! Not your beautiful Aladdin lamp, Alison? Why, it couldn't be lost. What do you mean?"

Alison pulled herself together and tried to speak collectedly.