"Harry," she said softly, "I'm going to Paris _alone_."
Expecting the usual protest, she went on to adjust the spark and the throttle in readiness to start the motor. But no protest came.
"Bully for you, Linda!" he cried, throwing his hat into the air, in his enthusiasm. "Those were the words I was hoping to hear!"
She raised her head swiftly, and grasped his hand so tightly that it hurt. Here, she repeated to herself, was a real friend!
She backed the car out of the garage and they drove to Columbus, where they had lunch in a charming tea-room and attended a matinée afterwards. Because Harriman Smith was working his way through college, his visits back to Spring City were necessarily limited; the unusual treat was doubly delightful to them both on that account. When they returned late in the afternoon, the news of the Lightcap hoax was on everyone's tongue. And naturally, all of Linda's and Louise's friends were asking what these girls would do now.
The question confronted Louise herself most seriously, and three times that day she called Linda on the telephone, only to be told by the maid that she was out. Finally, about five o'clock she drove over to the Carltons, and announced her intention of staying until her chum returned.
Linda and Harry came in gayly about half-past five.
"You quitter!" cried Louise. "Where have you been?"
"Joy-riding," laughed the other girl. Then she added seriously, "Don't say anything, Lou! Don't offer to change your plans, and put off your wedding, because I've decided to fly solo!"
"Solo!" repeated Louise, in an awed whisper. But it was easy to detect the relief in her tone.