But it was not long before Aline and Eleanor came in, talking, as Ann thought, in some excitement, though their voices were low. “Ann!” called Eleanor, rapping sharply upon the bedroom door.
Both girls came in and sat down on the bed, looking at Ann and each other. “You tell her, Eleanor,” said Aline, clasping the head of the bed with one arm, crossing her small slippered feet and cupping her pointed, poetic chin with her free hand.
“Surely I will,” replied the efficient Eleanor, her eyes flashing. “Are you satisfied with this arrangement, Ann, or would you like to get out of it?” she asked directly.
“I should prefer to leave things as they are,” promptly replied Ann.
“From what I know of you,” said Eleanor, “I judge that you are telling the truth.”
“Did you see Suzanne and know that she was going to see Miss Tudor about this rooming business?”
“Yes. Suzanne was very much upset, and hurt, because she thought that perhaps you did not want to room with her. She says that she is just sick over it. She wanted me to talk to you about it, but I told her that I would not get into it.”
Eleanor looked thoughtful. “I like Suzanne,” she said, “but I can’t bear Maddy, nor Genevieve, now. Of course you know that Miss Tudor has been talking to me about it. She gave me a good lecture, too, on not having consideration for other people, and upsetting plans and so forth. I certainly am _mad_ about it!” Eleanor’s eyes flashed fire again; then she looked at Ann, and they both laughed, Aline joining.
“I suppose you think, Ann, that it is a tempest in a tea-pot; but these things make a lot of difference.”
“Yes, they do,” answered Ann, sobering again. “It _is_ important whom you room with. I can’t say that I am very anxious to have Suzanne stay with Genevieve and Madeline--both pretty reckless about some things.”
Eleanor nodded. “Say, Ann, I’ve always wanted to explain about that time when you came on us and we had the cigarettes. I don’t do that sort of thing, but we were in high spirits and Gen dared us. She and Maddy think that it’s smart, and that is one of the reasons that I don’t want to room with Genevieve,--but please don’t say anything about it. I couldn’t tell Miss Tudor that.”
“What is Miss Tudor going to do?” asked Ann.