Although Mabel had been in the Bright household but a few months, Jessica, who was motherless, had become deeply attached to her, while Jessica’s father was equally fond of the young girl.

She had spent her vacation with the Phi Sigma Tau, who were the guests of Judge Putnam, a prominent Oakdale citizen, and his sister at their camp in the Adirondacks.  The judge had conceived a great affection for her, and on hearing her story had offered to adopt her.

This proved a cross to Jessica, who was torn between her desire to keep Mabel with her, and the feeling that the opportunity was too great for Mabel to refuse.  Mabel had left the decision to Jessica, and the judge was still awaiting his answer.

“I might have known something would happen to take her away,” almost wailed Jessica.  “First, the judge, and now—­”

“Don’t be a goose, Jessica,” said Nora stoutly, “and don’t jump at the conclusion that this strange woman is a relative of Mabel’s.  There are lots of chance resemblances.”

“Of course there are,” consoled Grace.  “When we go to the hospital to-morrow we’ll find no doubt that our stranger is named ‘Smith’ or ‘Brown’ or anything except ‘Allison.’”

“Don’t worry, dear,” said Anne, slipping her hand into Jessica’s.  “No one will take your one chicken from you.”

“I don’t know about that,” responded Jessica gloomily.  “I feel in my bones that something terrible is going to happen.  I suppose you girls think me foolish about Mabel, but I’ve no mother or sister, and you know yourselves what a dear Mabel is.”

“Forget it,” advised Nora wisely.  “We’ve had enough to harrow our young feelings to-day.  Let’s go and drown our sorrows in sundaes.  I’ll treat until my money gives out, and then the rest of you can take up the good work.”

“Who will go to the hospital with me to-morrow!” asked Grace when they were seated around a table at Stillman’s.

“Let me see.  To-morrow is Sunday,” said Jessica.  “I’m afraid I can’t go.  Papa is going to take Mabel and me for a drive.”

“I’ll go with, you,” volunteered Nora.

“And I,” said Anne.

“Good girls,” commended Grace.  “Meet me here at three o’clock.  I am fairly sure that visitors are allowed on Sunday, but if I am mistaken we can at least go to the office and inquire for our stranger.”

The three girls met in front of Stillman’s at exactly three o’clock the following afternoon, and set out for the hospital.

“Visitors are allowed on Sunday from three until five,” remarked Grace as they strolled down Main Street.  “I telephoned last night to the hospital.  Our stranger is not seriously hurt.  She is badly shaken up, and awfully nervous.  If she feels more calm to-day we may be allowed to see her.”

“What is her name?” asked Anne.

Grace looked blank, then exclaimed:  “Why, girls, how stupid of me!  I forgot to ask.  I was so interested in hearing about her condition that I never thought of that.”