"I had already shown it to Mr. Bowker," replied Mrs. White, anxiously; "I thought it might convince him that Lizzie had nothing to do with the disappearance of Mr. Strobel."
"It didn't convince him," said Clara, bitterly; "but no matter. May I copy Miss Lizzie's address?"
"Of course. Are you going to write to her?"
"Perhaps so. Have you written yet?"
"I haven't had time, but I shall do so this afternoon. Is there something you would like to have me say?"
Clara was intent with her thoughts.
"Mrs. White," she said presently, "if you write to-night, could you omit any reference to Mr. Strobel?"
"Land sakes!" exclaimed the good lady; "whatever should I write about then? With Lizzie's name in the papers, and everybody believing that she ran away with Mr. Strobel, what should I say?"
"I suppose it would be hard to ignore it altogether, but couldn't you omit saying anything of the rumors that have connected their names?"
"Why, I'll try to, Miss Hilman, but Lizzie will have to know about it some time."