“Yes, Jim. I don’t know his other name, but he drives the bus. They stood here talking, and then the lady went upstairs for her wrap, and went off with Jim when she came down again. They went away in the bus.”
“Thank goodness!” breathed Miss Ashton, as they turned away after thanking the boy for his information. “Jim has evidently gone to look for Nan, and has taken Jeanette with him. Don’t worry, Martha,” she added, seeing that the girl beside her was struggling with emotion, “Jim knows these roads, as probably no one else does. He will find her, I’m sure.”
“But—but—” faltered Martha, “suppose something has happened to Nan.”
“We just won’t think about such a possibility,” decreed Miss Ashton determinedly.
“But I don’t see why Jeanette didn’t waken me.”
“She probably thought every minute that Nancy would come. You know how it is, Martha, when one is waiting for somebody. Besides, after all, what could you have done?”
“I could have kept her company, at least,” retorted Martha quickly.
“Yes, of course; but she knew that you were tired out. We might as well eat dinner.”
“I couldn’t swallow a mouthful——”
“There is no sense at all in letting yourself get weak and more nervous for want of food,” said Miss Ashton firmly. “So we’ll eat. Order something light, if you prefer; but you must have nourishing food.”