"Chrystobel, too?" they cried in unison.
"Yes, she has just sent a telegram to her family."
"Then what a nice time we can give Tabitha!" exclaimed Carrie.
"She is always doing something for us," added Grace, "and it will be lovely to get even with her that way."
"Then you still wish to remain here for Christmas?"
"Yes, indeed," they answered, "if we may."
"I shall be glad to have so many of my girlies with me during the holidays, and I am sure Tabitha and Bertha will appreciate every effort you make to give them a happy time. Good-night, dears."
They scurried gleefully away, much delighted with the principal's decision, and already planning what they might do to fill the vacation days for Tabitha. As they pranced up the stairway, they met roguish Vera Foss hurrying toward the lower floor, and in answer to Carrie's laughing demand, "Where are you going, my pretty maid?" she said seriously, "To ask Miss Pomeroy's permission to stay here over Christmas."
"Why?" cried the amazed conspirators in one breath.
"Oh, I just got to thinking how badly I would feel if I had to stay here for the holidays like Kitty and Bertha must, when everyone else is going home to parties and tournaments and gay times generally, and I thought it would be lots more fun for them if there were others here to keep them company. So when Aunt Lyda came for me, I asked her about it and she said I might stay if Miss Pomeroy would let me."