“Well, do as you like. Then I’ll give you some supper and put you to bed, for I’m telling you frankly, I’m _not_ asking you to spend the evening with me.”
She bustled away and Helen called up Nan.
“For goodness sake, Bumble, why didn’t you call sooner? I’ve feared all sorts of things!”
“Nonsense, it’s all right, Nan. I called you as soon as I could get around to it. Good night, now, I’m in a hurry. Bye-bye!”
Helen hung up the receiver, knowing that Nan couldn’t call her back. Then, with her usual acceptance of circumstances she shook off all worry, and sat down to the pleasant little supper Mrs. Lummis offered her.
And not long after, knowing that her hostess so wished it, Helen suggested that she should retire.
“I’m giving you my room,” said Mrs. Lummis, “and I hope you’ll sleep well. You must be pretty much exhausted.”
“I’m not,” returned Helen, “I think it’s a lark! But don’t fear, I won’t intrude. Give me a magazine or book to read, and I’ll disappear till morning. Lock me in, if you like.”
“Oh, no,” and the lady laughed; “I’m not afraid of your appearing at my party. Good night, my dear.”
Left to herself, Bumble thought over the situation and laughed. As usual, she had got into a scrape, and, also as usual, she had fared very luckily.
Suppose instead of the kind Mrs. Lummis, she had found a disagreeable hostess! But she had fallen on her feet, and with her care-free nature she bothered herself not a whit about unpleasant possibilities.
She wandered about the pretty little bedroom, feeling very grateful for the safe harbour from the stormy night. She read a little, and then sat at the well-furnished toilet table to take down her hair.
She could hear guests arriving, and though of no mind to eavesdrop, she could not help over-hearing their light talk and chatter.
Helen was not curious by nature, and paid no attention to the voices until the name of Lieutenant Herron was mentioned.
But then the voices were lowered, and she caught no connected sentences.
A little ashamed of herself for listening at all to talk not meant for her ears, Bumble went to bed and was soon sound asleep.
Next morning Mrs. Lummis tapped at the door, and entered cheerily.
“Sleep well, little girl? Yes? That’s good. Now for a bath and some breakfast, then I’m going to pack you off. Sorry to speed my parting guest so hastily, but I have to go out of town on an early train.”