How provoking it is, and how stupid I am! Professor Salazar will stay at home for me, and very likely Mrs.Salazar has made butter-cakes and coffee, and here am I floundering in the woods! I 'll sit down under these trees and do a bit of Spanish, while I 'm resting for the walk back." Just at this moment a chorus of voices sounded in the distance, then some loud talking, then more singing.
"It is some of the students," thought Polly, as she hastily retired behind a tree until they should pass.
[Illustration: "It is some of the students."] But unfortunately they did not pass.

Just as they came opposite her hiding-place, they threw themselves down in a sunny spot on the opposite side of the road and lighted their cigarettes.
"No hurry!" said one.

"Let 's take it easy; the train does n't leave till 4.50.

Where are you going, Ned ?" "Home, I suppose, where I was going when you met me.

I told you I could only walk to the turn." "Home?
No, you don't!" expostulated half a dozen laughing voices; "we 've unearthed the would-be hermit, and we mean to keep him." "Can't go with you to-night, boys, worse luck!" repeated the second speaker.