how Mr. Gordon is to be made to tell what he knows--if
he _does_ know more than he has admitted about me," sighed Nancy.

"Neither do I--yet," said Jennie. "But we'll think about it. Maybe that
Scorch will find out something."

"But--really--Mr. Gordon is very kind to me. See how much money he gives
me."

"And perhaps that is only a tithe of what he steals from you."

"You're as bad as Scorch," declared Nancy.

"Well--of course--maybe he is telling the truth, too," said Jennie. "And
twenty dollars at one clip I--Whew!"

Nancy did not tell her that the twenty dollars had paid for the supper
Grace and Cora and their friends were enjoying in Number 30 at that very
moment.

"But I tell you what," said Jennie, after a bit, and speaking
reflectively.

"Yes?"

"Just give Bob Endress the tip to say nothing to the other girls about
how he first met you."

"Oh!"

"Don't you see? If Cora and Grace find out where you lived before you
came to Pinewood Hall, they'll maybe learn all about you. And perhaps,
that _would_ be bad," said Jennie, slowly.

"Then you see it too?" asked Nancy, sadly. "They'll be very sure I am a
nobody then."

"It's a shame how girls will talk," admitted Jennie Bruce. "Especially
that kind of girls."

"I wish I had _you_ for a friend, Jennie," said Nancy, in a whisper.

"Why! you have!" cried the other. "I've always wanted to know you
better. But the girls think you are offish."

"I don't mean to be."

"No, I see," returned Jennie. "But I understand you now. I wish you were
in this room instead of Sally."

"And if you only were in Number 30, instead of Cora," spoke Nancy, out
loud.

And upon the very echo of these words, a clear voice demanded:

"And will you tell me, Miss Nelson, how it is that _you_ are not in
Number 30--your proper dormitory--at this hour of the night?"

Both girls sat up in bed as though worked with the same spring. They
could not speak. Madame Schakael stood in the doorway.

CHAPTER XV

A GREAT DEAL HAPPENS

The Madame's doll-like figure has been mentioned before in these
chronicles. But to Nancy Nelson's excited imagination the principal of
Pinewood Hall at this juncture seemed to swell--expand--develop--and
actually fill the doorway of Number 40, West Side, with her unexpected
presence!

Nancy couldn't speak for the moment. Even the lively Jennie Bruce's
gayety was stifled in her throat.

"I hope you are not stricken dumb, Nancy," suggested