"Mercy!" gasped Miss Trivett, who was present, and who smiled at Belinda, though her shrewd eyes were ready for the betrayal of any secret. "Not our Belinda—never!"
The Red Cross recruit remained her usually placid self, even when the mischievous Sue Blaine went on to say:
"Of course, it wouldn't be the Herr Doktor? He will be desolate, I am sure."
"More likely one of her private patients," another of the party suggested. "Oh! The flying-man! I'm sure his roses were beautiful. I have mine at home yet."
"Be sure," stated Miss Trivett, "that if Miss Melnotte had cared anything for that boy you would have got none of his roses."
Belinda remained proof against all the raillery. The whistle blew and the girls hastened toward the nearest gangway after bidding their friend an affectionate good-by. But Sue Blaine came running back, her eyes dancing and increased mischief lighting her piquant face.
"Oh, you sharper!" she whispered, pinching Belinda's plump arm. "And you never said a word!"
"About what, dear?" her friend asked amazedly, yet kissing her again.
"He's here!" Sue Blaine hissed dramatically.
"For pity's sake! Who is here? Not—not Doctor Herschall?" and Belinda did not very successfully hide her anxiety.