“What, Miss Alton?” The tone and words implied some mistake of which Gloria was unconscious.
“Why, my dear, it would have been better for you to have consulted Miss Taylor before delivering an important message from a sick girl.”
Gloria’s face flamed—but only for a moment. The next she knew she had borne out Jack’s wishes and that she did so in ignorance of a school rule, or an unwritten point of ethics was not, she felt sure, to be seriously considered. She just wished Miss Alton would let her get back to her work.
“But now that you have been unwittingly made an emissary,” Miss Alton’s smile was real, “it seems best to continue in that capacity. Jacquinot, as you may know, is still extremely nervous, and the doctor, who called early,” (unnecessary alarm was always to be avoided at boarding school,) “ordered absolute quiet for some time. Now, I have just received a message from Mrs. Corday. She insisted upon coming after all. Miss Taylor, who has great faith in your resourcefulness, has suggested that you meet the train, and perhaps in some magical way you could turn her back. If she comes up here we shall certainly have a difficult time in keeping her away from little Jack. She may even question our motives.” Miss Alton allowed a very human frown to gather upon her benign brow. “But what ever happens she cannot see Jack. She always excites her.”
“I’ll do anything I can, of course, Miss Alton,” said Gloria, each word sounding to her like a blast at the belated essay.
“You have today free? You are in the contest?”
“Yes, but not finished. I have been delayed.” There was no keeping anxiety out of her voice.
“Have you much to do? I would not have you held back in your work for any private matter,” said Miss Alton quickly. “Especially as I know how interested your father is in your writing, and I also know what good reports Miss Sanders already has of your work; but if you could just meet the ten o’clock train, and in your own original way soothe Mrs. Corday, or in some way assure her of Jack’s satisfactory condition, then, if she must come, perhaps it would be easier for us all.” A sort of resigned helplessness was now apparent in Miss Alton’s manner. “But after all,” she added, “I can’t see why I should ask you to do this. It is only because we all here seem somehow to antagonize Mrs. Corday, in spite of our very best intentions. She is—rather erratic, but perfectly devoted to little Jack,” declared Miss Alton, warmly.
Gloria prepared to leave. Indecision was disturbing Miss Alton. Then Gloria said:
“I expect a friend on that same train, Miss Alton. You know Jane, my old nurse, has not been here yet. I had word yesterday that she is coming today, so when I meet her it will be quite easy for me to pick up Mrs. Corday. How shall I recognize her?”