“And her mother?�
“Was nursing a headache and would not see me.�
“Ah, then they will not be here. I am so sorry,� murmured Tibby. “Esther ought to see him act the clown’s part.�
Mrs. Jenkinson soon arrived, with Auntie Dearborn and the Pemberton twins. Sol Garrett waited to come in with Lissa Bartram, and three or four others soon followed them. They all started back at the sight of the sleeping Professor, and looked at one another inquiringly.
“Too much spirits,� said Tibby audaciously.
“Why, you don’t say? Has he been drinking?� queried Auntie Dearborn in a loud whisper.
“No, he’s overcome by spirits, but not of that kind,� Donald said.
“A stronger spirit than his own controls him,� added Mrs. Wylie.
“Strong spirits are always dangerous,� giggled Tibby in an aside to Donald.
“Weak ones are more so,� he replied in the same tone.