"We're just entering," Sadie added.
Nan said nothing. She was busy forming an instinctive and intense dislike of the stranger.
"How lucky!" cried the latter effusively. "I'm a student at Laurel Hall, too—second year. How nice we should meet like this on the train!"
"Yes, isn't it!" said Nan, though the faint tinge of sarcasm passed unnoticed by the new girl.
"Won't you sit down?" asked Sadie, who was always polite, even to those for whom she did not care greatly.
"Just a moment," said the strange girl. "I have a friend here. I'll ask her if she won't join us."
"By all means!" Nan muttered as the girl turned away. "Why not invite the whole train? There's room for all!"
Jo choked on a laugh and raised a hand in warning to Nan. Their new friend was already returning. Another girl was with her.
This girl was introduced as Lily Darrow and the girl chums liked her at once. Lily Darrow was a quiet, sweet-faced young person with light brown hair and light brown eyes and a soft voice that seemed always just above a whisper.
Lily took the seat next to Nan while the girl whom they now knew by the name of Kate Speed perched herself on the arm of the seat beside Jo.