The girls waited a few moments, and then cautiously lighting a student’s lamp with a green shade, proceeded with their supper. Judy looked at her watch. It was a quarter of eleven.
Again they were interrupted. This time by some pebbles thrown against the window.
Molly raised the sash softly and gazed down into the darkness below.
“What is it?” she called.
“It’s Margaret,” answered a voice from the yard. “For the love of heaven, can’t you let me in? I’ll explain afterward. I wouldn’t mind ringing up Mrs. Markham, but I’m afraid of that Steel woman.”
“Wait a minute,” answered Molly, and closing the window, she turned to consult with the others.
“There’s nothing to be done but to go down,” they decided, and Molly insisted on being the sacrificial lamb. Judy made her slip on her nightgown over her dress, and her dressing gown over that, in order to appear in the proper guise in case anything happened.
But they were doomed to another shock that night.
Just as Molly opened the door she came face to face with Miss Steel standing outside in the hall.
“Oh, I beg your pardon,” said Molly politely, feeling thankful she had put on her nightgown, “I thought I heard a noise outside.”