Part 28 (2/2)

”So do I,” joined in Belle

Cora again referred to the proposed purchase of a car for the twins, and though they were disappointed that they could not have it at once, Cora was rather glad, as she felt it would be a chance for Paul to get the order Jack was appealed to, and gave the two sisters so many points about autos that they declared they felt quite bewildered

”Well, I think we'd better be leaving, Cora, dear,” said Elizabeth at length, and the good-bys were said, with many whispered promises made to come over the next day to finish up the party plans

”Cora,” said Jack, when the pretty twins had gone down the path, ”I want a chance to talk to you You've been so busy of late that I haven't had an opportunity”

”In just ain her sleeve for the unread letter ”I ht down”

”Yes, and then so over to-ht,” and Jack's tone betrayed sorievance

But Cora decided that she must read her letter, and she promised that she would soon return to the porch

”I know it's frolided up the stairs to the privacy of her oven room ”And I never could read it before any one”

She hastily tore open the envelope Yes, the letter was signed with Mary's name, and it was dated from Silver Falls

Cora's heart beat expectantly She had hoped, ever since the day of the eventful ride, that Maryan to read the letter It ran:

”MY DEAR MISS KIMBALL: I was so sorry to leave you without having a chance to thank you for the pleasant tiave me, but I was called away unexpectedly that same afternoon It would only bore you to hear all the details I simply had to come here, and here I am still It was ive me, and even to her I dislike to tell the reason for the hurried trip In fact, I think she would not understand it Well, enough about that

”I just want to thank you for the lovely tiave me, and I am so sorry I cannot talk with you, for I have read of the loss of Mr Foster'sto happen If I had a chance I ive you a clue but it would not be wise to write it I expect to be back in Chelton soon, and then I will tell you what I think about it, for I know I can trust you

”With kindest regards,

”MARY DOWNS

”PS--I was greatly surprised yesterday to meet Mr Wilcox, or, rather, to see him pass in a new automobile He did not see s!” exclai the letter into her lap

”Just like every other girl on earth Tells you what she wants you to know, but never says a word about what you want to find out I've a good ht knoould be best to do”

Then she hesitated Cora always did hesitate before taking an important step, just as she always stopped and looked around when leaving her roo, or if she had left it all right

”But it does look strange,” she reasoned ”Yet I would trust Mary

She has such an honest face I will just tell Jack the whole thing”

Picking up the letter she hurried back to the porch

There sat Walter Pennington and Ed Foster with her brother

Concealing one expression of surprise, and another of disappoint men pleasantly and invited theh-and-ready fashi+on had given by asking his chu for a little trip, and though very busy she warreeted her son's friends, and entertained the folks are so taken up with your motors,” she said as she took her place at the head of the table, ”that we older and less fortunate people scarcely get a chance to speak to you Cora is so enthusiastic over her car and its swift motion that our maid declares she will soon turn into a bird and fly”