Geraldine sat down on the sofa and laid her head on her brother’s shoulder.
“That’s what I came for, too,” she said. “It’s only just five, but Mrs. Cranston said I might get up if I liked. After all, I remember there is a telephone switch in Mrs. Chester’s bedroom, but I’m glad I came, anyway, now you’re here, too. Oh, Jerry dear, I’m so terribly unhappy. Gretel is my best friend, and I’m sure something dreadful has happened to her.”
Jerry and Geraldine were not the only people in the house who listened anxiously for the sound of the telephone bell, but it was eight o’clock before the long-expected message came, and then, alas! it brought no good news. The police had been working on the case all night, but as yet they had found no clue. Indeed, there was very little to go upon. It seemed as if Gretel had been swallowed up in the earth. Sorely against her will, but feeling it the only thing to be done under the circumstances, Mrs. Chester repeated to her husband the story Jimmy Fairfax had told her.
“Neither Dulcie nor I believe one word against the child,” she finished, “but it is just possible she may have met some old German friend and been ashamed to mention the fact to us.”
Mr. Chester said that he would tell Gretel’s brother, but agreed with his wife in the opinion that the story was not likely to throw much light upon the girl’s mysterious disappearance.
The effect of Mr. Chester’s message was very depressing. Geraldine begged to be allowed to go home at once.
“I can’t stay here till Monday,” she told Mrs. Chester. “It will seem nearer to Gretel if I am in New York. Jerry wants to go, too.”
Mrs. Chester and her sister talked the matter over and it was decided that if the twins wanted to go, it would be best to let them have their way. It was quite impossible that they could enjoy themselves any longer in New London. So a telegram was dispatched to Mrs. Barlow, and Geraldine went up to her room to pack, accompanied by Molly, who was only a trifle less miserable than herself. They were in the midst of folding dresses when Kitty appeared, with the announcement that Ada Godfrey had come over to inquire for news.
“She’s on the piazza,” she added, “talking to Mrs. Cranston, and that horrid Davenport boy is with her.”
“I hate that boy,” declared Molly. “I should think Ada would know enough to keep him away from here. Do you remember how rude he was to Gretel that Sunday afternoon? Tell Ada I’ll be right down. You won’t want to come, I know, Geraldine.”