Minnie [regarding Hilda whose eyes are upon her and filled with surprise]. Hilda—tell me—what——
Hilda [hiding her face against the shoulder of her room-mate, who strokes her hair caressingly]. Oh, Minnie—Minnie—he's gone—it's broken——
Minnie [convulsively, her grasp upon the doorknob, tightening. The knob turns. The door swings back]. Oh! See!
Hilda [lifting her face]. Oh! [Her eyes meet Minnie's. In the latter there is a smile which she shares weakly.]
Minnie. This is too absurd! Open all night!
Hilda [trying hard not to cry]. Oh, Minnie! I don't know what——
Minnie [her arm around Hilda]. There dear. Don't cry. It will come out all right. And to think you should have broken with Jamie while Herbert and I were—— [They pass into the hallway. Minnie, by closing the door softly behind them, renders the rest unintelligible to any one who might be passing just at this instant.]