Cora was swift and business-like. “See here, Laura, I’ve got to keep my head about me. You can do a great deal for me, if you won’t be emotional just now, and help me not to be. I can’t afford it, because I’ve got to do things, and I’m going to do them just as quickly as I can, and get it over. If I wait any longer I’ll go insane. I can’T wait! You’ve been a wonderful sister to me; I’ve always counted on you, and you’ve never once gone back on me. Right now, I need you to help me more than I ever have in my life. Will you——”
“But I must know——”
“No, you needn’t! I’ll tell you just this much: I’ve got myself in a devil of a mess——”
Laura threw her arms round her: “Oh, my dear, dear little sister!” she cried.
But Cora drew away. “Now that’s just what you mustn’t do. I can’t stand it! You’ve got to be quiet. I can’t——”
“Yes, yes,” Laura said hurriedly. “I will. I’ll do whatever you say.”
“It’s perfectly simple: all I want you to do is to take charge of my travelling-bag, and, when a messenger-boy comes, give it to him without letting anybody know anything about it.”
“But I’ve got to know where you’re going—I can’t let you go and not——”
“Yes, you can! Besides, you’ve promised to. I’m not going to do anything foolish ——”
“Then why not tell me?” Laura began. She went on, imploring Cora to confide in her, entreating her to see their mother—to do a dozen things altogether outside of Cora’s plans.