"Down behind the wall, where I saw somebody drop it," he said, looking
sharply at Arabella.

Of course they all looked at Arabella, who hesitated for a moment, then
pushing past the girls, she ran down the walk to the gate, looking over
her shoulder to call to Aunt Charlotte:

"I've got to go home, 'cause my head aches."

"I wonder what Aunt Charlotte will do about the book?" whispered Mollie.

"Why, what _could_ she do?" Flossie asked in surprise.

"Why, Flossie Barnet! You saw the cover all spoiled. Don't you s'pose
she'll--"

But Mollie's question was hushed by the silvery tinkle of the bell which
told that recess was over.

Arabella did not return for the afternoon rehearsal, but she entered the
class-room on the next morning as calmly as if nothing had happened, and
she seemed very eager to show her interest in the dialogue by appearing
at all the other rehearsals.

* * * * *

Exhibition day had arrived, and parents and friends were seated before
the tiny stage, waiting for the curtain to rise.