At last, as they glided homeward, and came in sight of their hotel, Irma discerned Katie standing on the balcony.
"Irma," said Marion, in an undertone, for evidently he, too, had seen Katie, "has Katie said anything to you about Nap lately?"
"No, not for some time."
"Well, I hoped she would say you could keep Nap."
"Aha, Marion," cried Richard, "I believe I understand why you have spent so much time with Katie lately, escorting her around to places I wouldn't have taken the trouble to go. I see why you did it."
"Why?" asked Ellen; "why should he need a special reason?"
"Perhaps he didn't need it. But I believe he has set out to make Katie give up Nap to Irma, but," and he turned toward Marion with a flourish of his hat, "I'll bet you almost anything that you don't succeed. Katie is my cousin, and I know."
As they landed at the steps of the hotel, Katie greeted them pleasantly.
"The rest of us have had a splendid afternoon. We've been shopping."