When her glance fell on the umbrella, spread over Mary's bed like a tent, she raised herself on her elbow with a look of astonishment.

It took her some time to understand why it had been put there.
Never having roomed with any one before, and never having had to consider any one's convenience besides her own, it had not occurred to her that she might be making Mary uncomfortable.

The mute umbrella called attention to the fact more eloquently than any protest could have done.

Ethelinda had endured having a room-mate as she endured all the other disagreeable requirements of the school.

Now for the first time it dawned upon her that there might be two sides to this story, also that this strange girl who seemed so eager to intrude herself on her notice might be worth knowing after all.