the topic was so
absorbing that neither girl noticed the speeding hour, until a tap on
the door brought them back to the needs of the present.

Constance Fellows in her shabbiest frock, paint stains on her hastily
washed hands, looked gayly in on them.

"May I break my rules and use your phone?" she asked. "I haven't time to
chase down across the courtyard to the other phone, and it's very
important."

They went on talking in subdued tones, but it was impossible not to hear
all that Constance said, since the telephone was on the table at
Rosamond's elbow; and what she said made Rosamond's long eyes droop in a
very peculiar manner.

"Tell Auntie," Constance said briskly after having gotten her number,
"that I can't possibly have it done in time, unless I stick at it
tonight. I'll hold the wire. Be as quick as you can, please. She'll
understand."

In the interval of waiting for the reply Constance smiled cheerfully at
them, receiver at ear, taking meanwhile a lively interest in Patricia's
description of Madame Alda's wonderful coat.

"Sounds very uppity to me," she said with a humorous glance at her own
ancient gown. "Been associating with the song-birds in the upper air,
Miss Pat? I thought you'd left town. Haven't seen hide nor hair of you
since Friday."

Patricia was about to explain that she had been occupied with musical
matters under Rosamond's direction, when the answer came to Constance's
message. It seemed satisfactory, for she accepted it cheerily and hung
up the receiver with an expression of great content.

"Thank you so much for allowing me to grab your luxuries," she said with
a smile to Rosamond. "Are either of you going down to dinner now? I
can't get there, but if you'd tell Christine to bring me some milk and
rasp-rolls when she's at liberty, I'd be awfully obliged. I have some
dates and peanuts in my room," she added as though to relieve their
possible fears that she was denying herself too strictly.

"I'm going down, and I'll be glad to do it," said Patricia quickly. She
was so afraid that Constance might see the amused look on Rosamond's
face that she jumped up at once and took her arm, twirling her around
toward the door as she asked, "Is there anything I can order for you,
Rosamond?"

"I think not, thank you," returned that young lady amiably. "I usually
order by phone, you know. One is sure of getting what one wants then."

Patricia felt a bit uncomfortable at this untactful speech,