"And I am so glad you didn't worry yourself ill," Phillipa rejoined with real feeling. "Phil, can't you stay to dinner and see mother? She's lying down now--there have been so many calls. Father brought home the German nurse, who measures off her time in a very funny manner, and he escorts mother down stairs and up again as if he was a young lover." "No, dear, thank you. When I come back the rush will be over and we will have a good time. I've twenty things to do and start at nine tomorrow. Good-by and have just the most splendid time, as I shall have. So good luck for a fortnight," and they kissed each other warmly. CHAPTER VIII A STRANGE CONFESSION The girl who had been wrongfully accused was not so light hearted. Mrs. Dane still preserved her suspicious aspect, and of course the whole school was eager for every bit of news. Lilian said nothing to her mother about the talk, she seemed rather fretful and uneasy, as if she was annoyed by the girl's presence. So on Thursday afternoon she went out for a walk. Just beyond the gate she saw Edith Trenham coming toward her. "Oh, were you going out? Let us walk together, then. I have so much to say to you? Did you think it queer?" "I know now," said Lilian. "It was dreadful!" "I had to go home for some important school papers, and just slipped in and out again when you saw me. Of course I did not want it spoken of. Mother has been very careful keeping the windows on that side of the house closed. Claire has never had any of the infantile diseases. The woman thought it measles at first, but they are so particular in the schools, now. We closed today. Mother is going to shut up the house for awhile and board at Mrs. Lane's while they fumigate and burn up. The authorities have ordered the old house torn down. I think not a great many people visited her, though they did at first. I only hope the little girl will not die. Mother spoke to the oldest one that morning and she said her brothers were very ill and that her mother thought she would have a doctor, but it was too late when he came. Oh, I hope there will not be any more cases." "It would be terrible if they died like that. Our classes are dismissed as well, I believe there was a great fright among the girls, and just at Christmas time, too." "Will you go down with me tomorrow and have a look at the stores? This has upset our plans. I wanted you and your mother to come and take Christmas dinner with us." "Mother doesn't seem at all well. I doubt if she could go out, and I couldn't leave her for pleasure." "Well, some other time; and how are you getting along? I suppose you have vacation as well?"