It occurred to her that if she started immediately for school she might call for Bessie Challoner, and tell her what had occurred. Bessie's sympathy would be very sweet, and Alice determined to secure it if possible. Accordingly she left the house, and at about a quarter to nine found herself at Bessie's house. Bessie was standing on the steps drawing on her gloves.
"Why, Alice, what has brought you?" she cried; "and where is Kitty?"
"Oh, don't mention Kitty, if you don't want to rile me beyond endurance," said Alice.
"I always do rile you when I mention her," answered Bessie; "but where is she all the same?"
"With mother—she is coming to school with mother."
"With your mother—to Middleton School! What do you mean?"
"Only that mother has to bring her. She has got into no end of a row."
"Has she? Oh, I am sorry," said Bessie.
"Come out, Bessie," said Alice. "It is a little early to get to school, but we may as well walk slowly, and I will tell you all about it as we go along."
This Alice did, enlarging much upon Kitty's dress, her crimson blouse, her bare arms, the college cap on her head, and her little shoes with the buckles and rosettes.