The girls affectionately called her `` Princess , '' and Carol adored her with that romantic affection that is found only among school girls . She knew , too , that Maud would surely accept her invitation because she did not intend to go home . Her parents were travelling in Europe , and she expected to spend her holidays with some cousins , who were almost strangers to her . Carol was so much pleased that she felt as if she must talk to somebody , so she turned to Ruth . `` Is n't it delightful to think that we 'll all be going home in a fortnight ? '' `` Yes , very -- for those that have homes to go to , '' said Ruth drearily . Carol felt a quick pang of pity and self-reproach . `` Have n't you ? '' she asked . Ruth shook her head . In spite of herself , the kindness of Carol 's tone brought the tears to her eyes . `` My mother died a year ago , '' she said in a trembling voice , `` and since then I have had no real home . We were quite alone in the world , Mother and I , and now I have nobody . '' `` Oh , I 'm so sorry for you , '' cried Carol impulsively . She leaned forward and took Ruth 's hand in a gentle way . `` And do you mean to say that you 'll have to stay here all through the holidays ? Why , it will be horrid . '' `` Oh , I shall not mind it much , '' said Ruth quickly , `` with study and practice most of the time . Only now , when everyone is talking about it , it makes me wish that I had some place to go . '' Carol dropped Ruth 's hand suddenly in the shock of a sudden idea that darted into her mind .
A stray girl passing through the hall called out , `` Ruth , Miss Siviter wishes XXXXX see you about something in Room C. '' Ruth got up quickly .
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