Bobby shook her head sternly.

"Don't tempt us when we're having a hard time to do our duty," sheadmonished. "We have to go to look at Ruth Royal; honestly we do. Butwe'll meet you for the sundae; won't we, teeny childs?"

It occasionally was arranged that they should meet at quarter to five, and thenthe three callers were set down before the ornate hotel entrance.Just off the lobby was a pretty, richly furnished parlor where theydecided to wait while they were being announced.

"Let's hope she isn't in," suggested the irrepressible Louise. "Thenwe'd still have time to see 'The Rose-Pink Curtains.'"

Betty sat nearest the door and from her seat she could look at a sectionof the lobby and one of the elevators. The boy who had taken theirnames came back in a few minutes with the information that Miss Royaland her aunt were out.

"The clerk says they left word at the desk that they expect to beback about half-past seven to-night."