The idea stunned Chester.
"Simpson Hall? Why, that's a boarding school in Massachusetts, miles and miles from here," he gasped.
"I know it," said Mildred. "I know a girl who went there. It's a nasty, horrid place." A fresh attack of sobs seized her.
"They'll—make—me—do—c-calisthenics, and—they—won't—give—me—anything—to—eat—but—b-beans."
Nothing but beans! Mildred eat beans! It was an outrage, a sacrilege.
"He's already written to Simpson Hall," wailed Mildred. "And I have to go, Monday."
"Monday? Not Monday? Why, to-day's Friday!" Chester's face became resolute; he felt in his inside pocket where his envelope was.
"You sha'n't go," he declared. "You and I will elope to-morrow morning."
§3
Chester met Mildred aboard the 8:48 train for New York City the next morning.