Libbie looked rebellious, but she made no verbal protest, and when they were once more in dry clothes Bobby marched her cousin to the immaculate infirmary.  She returned alone, saying that the nurse had detained Libbie for observation over night.

“She thinks she’s getting a heavy cold, but it may be more serious,” Bobby reported.  “Well, anyway, I’ve done my duty.  But romantic people are always forgetting to wear their rubbers.”

Betty had just drowsed off to sleep that night, the girls having gone to bed immediately after the study hour, for the afternoon in the wind and rain had made them extraordinarily sleepy, when a soft knock on the door startled her.

She slipped out of bed and ran to the door, opening it carefully so as not to wake Bobby.  Miss Morris, the school nurse, and Miss Lacey stood there.

“Elizabeth isn’t worse,” said Miss Morris hastily, noting Betty’s look of alarm.  “But she is very restless and wants to see you.  Miss Lacey says you may come up.  Get your dressing gown and slippers, dear.”

Betty obeyed quickly.  Libbie was probably lonely, she reflected.

The infirmary consisted of three connecting rooms, fitted with two single beds in each, and Libbie happened to be the only patient.  She was sitting up in bed, well wrapped up, when Betty saw her, her eyes unnaturally bright, her cheeks very red.

“Now I’ll leave you two girls together for exactly half an hour,” said the nurse kindly.  After that Elizabeth must go to sleep.”

“Is the door shut—­shut tight?” demanded Libbie feverishly, grasping Betty’s hand with both her hot, dry ones.

“Yes, dear, yes,” affirmed Betty soothingly.  “What’s the matter, Libbie—­is your throat sore?”

“Oh, Betty, I’m in such terrible trouble!” gasped Libbie, her eyes overflowing.  “I’m so frightened!”

“Tell me about it, dear,” soothed Betty.  “I’ll help you, you know I will.  Has it anything to do with school?”

She was totally unprepared for Libbie’s next words.

“I have to have some money—­a lot of money, Betty.  I’ve spent my last allowance and I can’t write home for more because they will ask me why I want it.  I’ve borrowed so much from Louise that I can’t ask her again!  I ought to pay it back.  But I’ve got to have twenty dollars by to-morrow night.”

“What for?  What’s the matter?” asked Betty, in alarm.

“You’ll promise not to tell Bobby?” demanded Libbie intensely.  “Promise me you won’t tell Bobby?  She’d scold so.  And Mrs. Eustice would expel me.  If you won’t tell Bobby or Mrs. Eustice, Betty, I’ll tell you.”

Betty was now thoroughly aroused.  She knew that impulsive novel-reading Libbie went about with her pretty head filled with all sorts of trashy ideas, and she didn’t know what lengths she might have gone to.  If Mrs. Eustice would expel her, the affair must be serious indeed.

“I’ll promise,” said Betty rashly.  “Tell me everything, Libbie, and if I can I’ll help you.”