“But our creed is broad enough to include all things beautiful and good.”
Palla shrank as though she had been struck, and sat staring out of the narrow window.
Ilse lifted a basket of soiled linen and carried it away. When, presently, she returned to take away another basket, she inquired whether Palla had made up her quarrel with Jim Shotwell, and Palla shook her head.
“Do you really suppose Marya has made mischief between you?” asked Ilse curiously.
“Oh, I don’t know, Ilse,” said the girl listlessly. “I don’t know what it is that seems to be so wrong with the world––with everybody––with me–––”
She rose nervously, bade Ilse adieu, and went out without turning her head––perhaps because her brown eyes had suddenly blurred with tears.
Half way to Red Cross headquarters she passed the Hotel Rajah. And why she did it she had no very clear idea, but she turned abruptly and entered the gorgeous lobby, went to the desk, and sent up her name to Marya Lanois.
It appeared, presently, that Miss Lanois was at home and would receive her in her apartment.