Nancy flushed and hurried by; but not too quickly to hear the Montgomery girl say:
"I guess I'm not going to like _those_ girls," sighed Nancy. And then she shivered as she thought of how mean they might be if they ever found out that she was "Miss Nobody from Nowhere."
The rain began to slant across the open fields and trace a pattern upon the broad, thick, glass beside her so that she could no longer see out. Besides, it was growing dark early.
The train passed through towns that seemed all gloomy, smoky brick buildings, or shanties clinging like goats to the sides of high bluffs. A pall of dun vapor hung over these towns, and the lonely Nancy was glad when the train did not stop.
Sometimes they dashed into a tunnel, and a cloud of stifling smoke wrapped the cars about and the cinders rattled against the ventilators and roof.
On and on swept the train, and at last the brakeman, as they left one station, announced:
Nancy began to gather her things together and put on her coat long before the train slowed down. Then the other girls got ready leisurely, still chatting.
The rain beat harder against the window. It was after seven o'clock. They passed a block-tower with its lights and semaphore. Then the grinding brakes warned her that her destination was at hand.
The end of the wet platform flashed into view. There were dazzling lights, rumbling hand-trucks, and people running about.
As she came to the door of the car--she did not go out by the one chosen by the Senator's daughter and her friends--the roar of voices burst upon her ear:
"Pinewood Hall! This is the 'bus for the school! Pinewood Hall!"
"Carriage, Miss! Private carriage, Miss!"
"Clinton House! Come on, here, you that want the hotel."
"'Bus for Pinewood. That you, Miss Briggs? Going with me? Where's yer check?"
"This way for the school. Pinewood Hall! Hi, there, Jim! Found that other one? Miss Nelson! Miss Nelson! Who's seen Miss Nelson?"
Suddenly Nancy realized that the big man in front of her was roaring her name in stentorian tones.
"Oh, oh!" she gasped. "_I'm_ Miss Nelson."
"All right. Here she is, Jim! Right this way to the 'bus. Where's your check, Miss? All right. Have the trunk and bag up some time to-night--if they are here."