"What has come over you girls?" inquired Mabel curiously. "When
four of the liveliest girls in school become mum as the proverbial
oyster, surely something is going to happen."

"'Coming events cast their shadows before'" said Anne half
dreamily.

"Well, I wish they'd stop casting shadows over my little playmates
then," laughed Mabel.

At this remark Grace made an effort to appear unconcerned.

"Are you going to play on the junior basketball team this year,
Mabel?" she asked, by way of changing the subject.

"I don't know," replied Mabel. "I feel as though I ought to study
every minute I am in High School, in order to be more thoroughly
capable of earning my own living. I don't expect to be forever
dependent upon my friends."

"Dependent, indeed," sniffed Jessica. "You know perfectly well,
you bad child, that papa and I have been the gainers since you
came to us, and now--" she stopped just in time.

"'And now,' what?" asked Mabel.

"Here we are at the hospital," broke in Nora without giving
Jessica time to answer.