She tore open the yellow envelope, and her face fell as she read the brief message.

Her mother was seriously ill, and she must return home immediately.

Mrs.Best went upstairs at once to arrange for her hurried journey, and to help her to pack.
Downstairs at the breakfast-table the girls discussed the bad news.

They were very sorry for Rachel, and also for themselves, for she was their right inner.
"It's like our luck!" fretted Janie Potter.
"Too disgusting for words!" groused Doreen Hayward.
"Poor old Rachel!" groaned Fil.
"What's going to be done ?" asked everybody, as they folded their serviettes and left the table.
That question was answered by Miss Giles, who beckoned to Ingred in the hall, and said briefly: "Ingred, will you fetch your hockey-stick and pads ?" Ingred did not need telling twice.

To take Rachel's place was indeed an honor.