In a few words Grace told her what had happened.

“That horrid James Gardiner.  I’ll never speak to him again,” cried Eva Allen.  “I hope he didn’t recognize us.  He’ll tell every one in school about it.”

“I don’t think he did,” replied Grace.  “Oh, look, girls!  Here comes Officer Donavan!  I was right when I said that Miss Brant would notify the police.”

“I hope she got a good scare,” remarked Nora wickedly.  “As for the ghosts, they are very likely at home by this time.”

CHAPTER VI

A VISIT TO ELEANOR

The next day, when Grace, in company with her chums, left the school building, they beheld the shabby little figure of Mabel Allison waiting for them just outside the campus.  She looked shy and embarrassed when she saw the four girls bearing down upon her, and seemed half inclined to run away.  Grace greeted her cordially and introduced her to her chums, whose simple and unaffected manners soon put her at her ease.

“I am so glad you waited,” said Grace cordially.  “I have told my three friends about you, as I knew they would be as much interested in you as I am.  We have made a plan and if we can carry it out, you will be able to go to school until you graduate.”

“You are very good to take so much trouble for me,” said Mabel, the tears springing to her eyes; “but I’m afraid it won’t do any good.”

“Don’t be down-hearted,” said Nora sympathetically.  “You don’t know Grace Harlowe.  She always does whatever she sets out to do.”

“She’s a regular fairy godmother,” said Anne softly.  “I know from experience.”

“Such flattery is overwhelming,” murmured Grace.  “I regret that I’m too busy to bow my thanks.  But to get down to the business of the hour—­tell me, Mabel, dear—­did this Miss Brant legally adopt you when she took you from the orphanage, or are you bound to her in any way?”

“I don’t know,” said the girl, her eyes growing big with wonder.  “I never thought about it.  I don’t believe, however, that she has any legal claim upon me.”

“Is there any way in which you can find out?” asked Anne.

“Why, yes,” replied Mabel.  “I could write the woman at the orphanage who was good to me.  She is still there, and several times she has written to me, but Miss Brant read her letters first and then tore them up.  Her name is Mary Stevens, and she would surely know!”

“Then write to her at once,” said Grace, “and tell her to send her letter in an outside envelope addressed to me.  Your whole future depends upon her answer.”

Grace thereupon related to her their conversation of the previous night.

“As soon as you find out about Miss Brant’s claim, we shall take the matter to Jessica’s father, who is a lawyer.  He will help us,” Grace concluded.  “Then when you are free, we shall have something else to tell you.  Just be patient for a few days, and don’t be afraid.  Everything will come right.”