As she spoke their new friend opened the door at the end of the hall and with a dramatic gesture motioned them to enter.
"Behold! This, once Kate Speed's domain, now belongs to you. Advance, conquerors, and take possession!"
"Oh, my goodness, I begin to see light!" cried Jo. "Do you mean to say this room was Kate's last year?"
"Even so," returned their new friend. She flung herself upon one of the single beds and, knees hugged comfortably beneath her chin, regarded them gleefully. "Now do you begin to see why our lovely Kate regards you with disfavor?"
"I suppose she wanted the same room this year," said Sadie, looking thoughtful.
"Then she should have said so—and said so early," retorted Jessie Robinson. "That's the way with Kate. She takes it for granted that she's so important that people ought to know what she wants without being told. She could have had this room if she'd asked for it early enough, but I suppose you girls got in your application first, and so Miss Jane turned it over to you. She plays no favorites, anyway."
"No wonder the girl wanted to murder us!" said Nan. "I can't say that I blame her much, now that I know the dreadful truth."
"This sure is one great room!" murmured Jo, and wandered over toward the window.
"Look, girls!" she called a moment later.
Nan and Sadie ran to her while Jessie Robinson continued to hug her knees and regard the chums with gleefully speculating eyes.