Miss Timmins might have started after her, but Tom planted himself before that door. The lout of a boy began bringing in the breakfast for the automobile party. Ruth talked privately with the doctor’s wife and Mr. Perkins, and forced some money on the woman to be expended for a very necessary outfit of clothing for Bella.
Miss Timmins finally flounced back into the kitchen where they heard her venting her anger and chagrin on the kitchen help. Bella returned bearing an ancient extension bag crammed full of odds and ends. She kissed Ruth and shook hands with the rest of the company before departing with Mr. Perkins.
The doctor’s wife promised to write to Ruth as soon as anything was heard of Mr. Pike, and the automobile party turned their attention to ham and eggs, stewed potatoes, and griddle cakes.
“Only,” said Jennie, sepulchrally, “I hope the viands are not poisoned. That Miss Timmins would certainly like to give us all our ‘nevergetovers’.”
CHAPTER IX
A DISMAYING DISCOVERY
“‘The Later Pilgrims’ are well out of that trouble,” announced Helen, when the cars were underway, the honeymoon car ahead and the other members of the party packed into the bigger automobile.
“And I hope,” she added, “that Ruth will find no more waifs and strays.”