“I ought to unpack that trunk and take off my things,” she told herself, but she felt more inclined to run out of the door, back to the depot and on board the first train bound for her home.
“Well, of all the forlorn damsels I ever saw, you certainly are the worst, and I thought you looked so full of fun when I noticed you downstairs.”
Dolly glanced up in surprise, to see a merry face regarding her from the doorway. The newcomer was much below medium height, with a very freckled face, very red, curly hair, and a very good-natured expression.
“Didn’t you feel forlorn yourself last year?” retorted Dolly. “Or, if you are a dignified Junior or Senior, I suppose you have forgotten how poor little Freshmen feel, when they are dumped in with a lot of strangers. I am just like a cat in a strange garret.”
“You are no stranger than I,” and the newcomer ensconced herself in the only rocking-chair that the room afforded. “I’m a Freshman like yourself, only I got here last evening. I’m Elizabeth Newby, at your service,” and she made a sweeping bow. “I saw you come in and I thought I’d make an early call, but I did suppose you would have your things off by this time.”
“It was awfully good of you to come,” said Dolly gratefully. “I’ll get my things off and brush up a bit.” She turned and looked suddenly at her new acquaintance. “How does it come that you are not homesick? Everything must be as strange to you as it is to me, but you look jolly and happy.”
“I am,” returned the other emphatically. “You may not know it, but homesickness is a luxury in which only the fortunate can indulge. I’m not troubled with it. Now tell me, can I help you with your trunk? My things are all in order. When you have fixed up your room and had Patrick put your trunk away, you will feel that you are here to stay, and you will begin to be more comfortable in your mind.”
“If you don’t mind helping me then,” and Dolly commenced to tug at her straps energetically.
“I want to do it. I like to be poking into other people’s affairs, it keeps one from thinking.”
“Then you are homesick, after all?” and Dolly glanced up with twinkling eyes.