Part 24 (1/2)
”So is mother, Peggy Stewart,” cried Natalie.
Meanwhile Nelly had gone to her room. It was next Helen's and Lily's. On beyond was Stella's sitting-room. Nelly roomed with a girl who had been called home by illness in her family. Consequently Nelly now had the room to herself. She wrote her note and then went to find Mrs. Vincent to ask permission to run out to the stables to give it to her father.
As she pa.s.sed Helen's and Lily's door she heard them whispering together and also heard a deeper voice. Whose could it be? It was so unusual that she paused a moment in the dimly lighted hall. She did not mean to be an eavesdropper, but she thought all the girls from the west wing were down on the terrace where she had left them that perfect May night.
They had gone out there immediately dinner ended, for study hour had lately been held from five to seven on account of the warm evenings, Mrs. Vincent objecting to the lights which made the house almost suffocating.
Presently the deep-voiced whisper was heard again. Nelly started as though from an electric shock. Had Helen's cousin returned, but when?
And that whisper was a revelation. Then she went on her way. Consent was promptly given and Nelly ran across the shadow-laden lawn to the stables. She found her father, Shelby and the men just preparing to set forth. Her father was to ride the Senator to set the pace. Junius rode Jack-o'-Lantern. Columbine and Lady Belle were to be led.
As Nelly drew near, Columbine neighed a welcome.
”What's brought you down here, honey?” asked Bolivar. ”I was going to stop at the house to say good-bye.”
”I wanted to see you alone a minute, daddy.”
”Go 'long for a little private confab with her, Bolivar. All right, Nelly, no hurry,” said Shelby genially.
The thin sickle of the new moon cast very little light as Nelly and her father walked a short distance down the path, Nelly, talking earnestly in a low voice. When she ceased Bolivar said:
”Oh, you must be mistaken, Nelly, why, I never heard of such a fool stunt; yet that kid's capable of most any, I understand. Of course, I'll take the hint and watch out, but just like you say, it's better to keep it dark. It'd only stir up a terrible talk and make Mrs. Vincent's school,--well; she don't want that sort of thing happening. Run 'long back and keep your eyes open. Shall I say anything to Shelby?”
”Not a word, daddy! Not one word! Just get him out of the way if you can.”
”That's easy. He's going to ride into the city when I start and none of the boys sleep in the stable. I kind of suspicion your plan but I won't ask no more questions.”
At eight-thirty the first ”batch o' beasties” ”shoved off.” The girls ran down the driveway to bid them good-bye and the horses seemed to understand it all perfectly. Then Bolivar and his charges, accompanied by Shelby, set forth upon their ways. It was a wonderful, star-sprinkled night, though the moon had sunk below the horizon. When they had gone a little way Shelby bade them good-bye and good-luck and turned into the broad boulevard leading into Was.h.i.+ngton. Bolivar followed the quieter road on the outskirts of the city. Presently he said to Junius:
”Land o' love, I'd as soon ride an elephant as this horse. His back's as broad. Hold on a minute, I'm going to s.h.i.+ft my saddle to Columbine. I know her and she knows me, don't you, old girl?”
”She's de quality, sure,” agreed Junius.
”This is something like,” sighed Bolivar, falling easily into Columbine's smooth fox-trot. They had gone perhaps a mile when Bolivar suddenly clapped his hand to his breast-pocket and pulled up short.
”What done happen, Mr. Bol'var?” asked Junius.
”I'm seven kinds of a fool. Left my wallet in that old coat Shelby let me wear round the stable! Now that's the limit, ain't it? I got to go back. Ain't got a cent with me. You ride on slow and stop at the Pine Cliff Inn up the road a-piece, and wait there till I come. Columbine's fresh as a daisy and the three miles or so will be just a warm-up for her this night. Now wait there. Don't budge a step till I come.”
”I'll do like you say.”
Jim Bolivar started back slowly, but once beyond Junius' sight gave Columbine the rein and was soon within a quarter of a mile of Columbia Heights School.
Meanwhile, in that usually well-ordered establishment some startling events were taking place.
When Nelly left her father she stopped on the terrace to talk a few minutes with the girls. It was then after nine o'clock but during these long, sultry evenings Mrs. Vincent allowed the girls to remain upon the terrace until ten.
Examinations were over, there was no further academic work to be done and most of the preparations for commencement were completed. Indeed, most of the little girls had already left, and several of the older ones also. A general exodus takes place from Was.h.i.+ngton early in May and the schools close early.
”Whow, I'm sleepy tonight,” laughed Nelly, suppressing a yawn. ”Reckon I'll go upstairs. Good-night, everybody.”
”You'll smother and roast if you go to bed so early, Nell. Stay here with us,” cried Polly, catching Nelly's skirt and trying to pull her down beside her.