"I think Carl has just come in—I hear his whistle; perhaps she is with him," said Aunt Zélie. But upon inquiry he had not seen her since lunch.
"And you have looked everywhere? In the star chamber, and the library, and—"
"Yes, and I have asked Sukey and James, and they have not seen her," Bess replied.
"It is a little strange, for she knows I do not like to have her out late. She was going to John's, wasn't she?"
"I know she went there, for she walked as far as the gate with me. Perhaps some of the boys are there and will bring her home," said Bess.
"We will wait a quarter of an hour, and if she does not come I'll send over to the Armstrongs'," said Mrs. Howard.
The minutes slipped away, but no Louise; and Joanna, who was sent in search of her, returned with the news that she had left there about four o'clock.
"Oh, dear! She must be lost!" Bess exclaimed.
"Louise get lost! Nonsense! She could find her way anywhere," said Carl.
"I hardly think she can be lost, but I am worried about her. Joanna, you'd better go to Mrs. Warner's, and, Carl, suppose you run over to Miss Brown's, she may be there," and Aunt Zélie walked to the window and looked out into the darkness. "It is beginning to snow," she said.