"Matter enough, Wilda. I'm worried and angry. And to think it should
happen while the Bishop is away on that trip of his to the States!"

"Tell me," urged the gentle little woman, pushing a chair forward into
which the Lady Principal wearily dropped.

"It's that Dorothy Calvert. She's lost herself again!"

"She has a knack of doing that! But she'll be found."

"Maybe. Worst is she's taken another with her. Robin, the new
boot-boy."

Miss Hexam laughed:

"Well, I admit that is the greater loss just now! Girls are plentiful
enough at Oak Knowe but boot-boys are scarce. And this Robin was a
paragon, wasn't he? Also, I thought Dorothy was away up toward the
'good conduct medal,' as well as 'distinction' in music. I don't see
why she should do so foolish a thing as you say and lessen her chances
for the prize."

"Wilda, you don't understand how serious it is. It was one thing to
have it happen in this house but it's night now and she away in a
strange city. I declare I almost wish she'd never come at all."

For a moment Miss Hexam said no more. She knew that Miss Muriel loved
the missing girl with sincere affection and was extremely proud of her
great progress in her studies. All the school had readily conceded
that in her own Form Dorothy stood highest, and would certainly win
the "honors" of that Form. When the Principal had rested quietly a
while longer she asked:

"Now tell me all about it, Muriel."

"Nobody missed her, but, she did not come home with the rest. I've
'phoned to the police to look for for her and the boy, but it's a
disgrace to the school to have to do such a thing. Besides, Robin's
mother is half wild about him and declares she must walk into town to
seek him."

"You're foolish, the pair of you. Stop and reason. Robin is thoroughly
familiar with the city and suburbs, from his messenger-boy experience.
Dorothy is blessed with a fair share of common sense. If they
wandered away somewhere, they'll soon wander back again when they
realize what they have done. I'm sorry you stirred up the police and
they should be warned to keep the matter quiet."

"Oh! they have been," answered the weary Lady Principal. "It does
seem, lately, that every good time we allow the girls ends in
disaster."

"Never mind. You go to bed. You've done all you can till morning."

Miss Muriel did go away but only to spend the night in watching along
with Lady Jane in the library, the latter deeply regretting that she