The “Automobile Girls” could only explain Maud had gone to her room.
Miss Sallie rang the bell, and sent a maid to inquire for Maud.
The answer came back a few moments later. “Miss Warren had left the hotel for the evening with several friends.”
Miss Stuart said nothing. But the “Automobile Girls” knew Miss Sallie would never forgive Maud Warren for her disobedience.
The four girls were almost ready to say good night, when another light tap sounded at their door.
The girls lowered their voices. Perhaps Maud had lost heart, and had returned to them after all.
Barbara went to the door. It was Marian De Lancey Smythe who had knocked. She wished to speak with Bab for a moment.
Five minutes later Barbara returned to her friends, looking considerably mystified.
“Now, Barbara Thurston, what did Marian Smythe have to say to you?” demanded Mollie. “It is not fair, your having secrets with her from the rest of us.”
“Oh, Marian asked me if we were going to the countess’s to dinner to-morrow night,” Bab replied.