*Back at the school*
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Josie awoke groggily to the sound of urgent knocking on the door. She glanced over at the brass clock sitting on the fireplace mantel, which read 4:17.
"Oh my!" she whispered to herself.
"Open the door, Lizzy," a stern voice boomed from the hallway. Elizabeth had missed her lessons, according to the time.
Josie was in such a panic that words could not escape her.
"Were coming in!" the voice yelled. The door sprung open and in tromped Mister Jobet, Ms. Shufflefield, and Mr. Shaft. Worry became too much for Josie to handle as she gazed at their angered faces.
The three intruders gasped as Josie retired to a lump on the floor. Ms. Shufflefield fanned her provusively with the palm of her hand.
"What is that servant girl doing in Miss. Elizabeth's room and where is Miss. Elizabeth?" Mister Jobet exclaimed.
"Take a look at this, Mr. Shaft," Ms. Shufflefield said. She brushed back a handful of the delicate curls that lined Josie's face.
"News," Mr. Shaft read aloud, "You may both return to what you were previously occupied with before I interrupted you."
"But -"
Mister Jobet cut her off, "We've got to find Miss. Elizabeth."
"I have an odd feeling that I know where she is. I will send you the news as soon as she has made her refrain."
