Louie's fortune did not seem so serene. "She was at school and would go home to keep Christmas. This was elaborated in very agreeable styles. Then she would come back, but she would be troubled about a prize, be disappointed in a girl friend who would try to injure her and who would say mean things, but she must not mind them. Then there were journeys and pleasures and lovers, but she would not marry very young and would be engaged twice, and oddly enough be married the second time." Then they rose, gathered up their wraps and the fortune teller her money, with profuse wishes for their happiness and a merry Christmas, and shut the door. Zay was leading and opened the hall door, stepping out on the stoop. "Oh, my goodness! There's the Dane across the way! Let us run out back and across lots" and they started in a huddle, opening the door that led to another room. "You can't come in here," declared a voice but they pushed through to the outer door, flew down the path and across a space over to the next street, but did not stop until they had reached the side gate to Crawford House. "It's only three of us girls," exclaimed Zay. "We are going to my room." Then they stood in breathless terror, looking in each other's faces. Phillipa gave a half hysterical laugh, dropped into a chair and went on laughing. "I don't see anything funny," said Louie. "And to come so near being caught! Do you suppose the Dane was watching out--suspecting? And that horrid smell in the room, and the girl holding up one of those boys who was struggling for breath--" "You had a good view, Louie," sarcastically. "Well, I was behind. Oh, what if it was small pox?" and Louie was white as a ghost. "Small pox! Louie don't be an idiot! See here, we'd heard a thing like that quick enough. Now I'll tell you--Zay have you any aromatic ammonia? Let's all take a dose to quiet our nerves and ward off whatever it may be, and get a lump of gum camphor to take to bed with us tonight, and Louie if you dare to act suspicious I'll murder you." "I don't think it was just the thing for her to let us in if there was any sickness." "I wanted a _real_ Clairvoyant. They do tell you wonderful things, but she hit a good deal about you, Zay. I wonder who is coming to try to oust you out? Oh, maybe your brother will bring home a wife." "I shouldn't like that," the girl said frankly. "And maybe he will be sent on a three years' cruise and leave her with us!" "Nonsense! Don't bother your pretty curly head. Here let us all take our composing draught and then wend our way to school with a bold front. Only we must have some other hats." "I'll wear my Gainsborough, and you, Phil, shall have my brown turban with the bunch of plumes. Louie--" "Let me wear the black straw with those yellow daisies. I almost grudge that to you." "Then take it as a Christmas gift." The cook stopped them in the hall and said they must have a cup of hot chocolate. The wind was blowing up cold.