l, and Miss Henderson exclaimed
delightedly, "There is the lake, just as it used to be!"
Patty stifled a desire to remark that lakes had a habit of staying where
they used to be, and asked politely if Miss Henderson would like to take
a row.
Miss Henderson thought that it would be pleasant; but she had forgotten
her watch, and was afraid there would not be time.
Patty glanced about vaguely for some further object of interest, and
spied Mildred Connaught sauntering toward the lake. She had forgotten
all about the Sherlock Holmes adventure, and she suddenly had an
inspiration. Be it said to her credit that she hesitated a moment; but
the lecturer's next remark led to her own undoing. She was murmuring
something about feeling like a stranger, and wishing that she might know
the students informally and see a little of the real college life.
"It would be a pity not to gratify her when I can do it so easily,"
Patty told herself; and she added out loud, "I am sure we have time for
a little row, Miss Henderson. You walk on, and I will run back and get
my watch; it won't take a minute."
"I wouldn't have you do that; it is too much trouble," remonstrated Miss
Henderson.
"It's no trouble whatever," Patty protested kindly. "I can take a cross
cut, and meet you at the little summer-house where the boats are moored.
It's straight down this path; you can't miss it. Just follow that girl
over there"; and she darted away.
The lecturer gazed dubiously after her a moment, and then started on
after the girl, who cast a look over her shoulder and quickened her
pace. It was growing quite dusky under the trees, and the lecturer
hurried on, trying to keep the girl in sight; but she unexpectedly
turned a corner and disappeared, and at the same moment two strange
girls suddenly dropped into the path, apparently from the tree-tops.
"Good evening," they said pleasantly. "Are you taking a walk?"
The lecturer started back with an exclamation of surprise; but as soon
as she could regain her composure, she replied politely that she was
strolling about and looking at the campus.
"Perhaps you would like to stroll with us?" they inquired.
"Thank you, you are very kind; but I have an engagement to row with one
of the students."
Priscilla and Bonnie exchanged delighted glances. They had evidently
caught a resourceful young person.
"Oh, no; it's too late for a row. You might get malaria," Priscilla
remonstrated. "Come and sit on
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