CHAPTER III

WHAT HAPPENED IN ROOM FORTY-SEVEN


As the last period of study drew to an end on Tuesday afternoon,
the hearts of the four girl chums beat a trifle faster than usual.
What if after all their conjectures were to prove erroneous, and
Mabel Allison was not the long-lost daughter of the woman in the
hospital? All they had to go by was the remarkable resemblance
between the two, and the slight emotion displayed by Mrs. Allison
at the mention of Mabel's name.

When Grace had repeated the details of their call at the hospital
to Jessica, the latter had turned very white, but had said
bravely, "I expected it. We will go with you on Tuesday. Shall I
prepare Mabel for it?"

"No," Grace had replied. "We may find ourselves mistaken, and
think what a cruel disappointment it would be to Mabel. I don't
mean by that Jessica, that Mabel is anxious to leave you, but you
know perfectly well that the desire of Mabel's life is that she
may some day find her parents."

In almost utter silence the four chums, accompanied by Mabel
Allison, crossed the campus and turned into High School Street at
the close of the afternoon session on Tuesday. Each girl seemed
busy with her own thoughts.