CHAPTER XII.—AN UNWISHED WISH.
Miss Helen Campbell was laid low with a sick headache the day after the orange grove party.
“A little too much juice of the fruit, my dear,” she explained to Billie, who had tiptoed into her room to see if there was anything she could do. “But you mustn’t stay with me. I shall be all right as soon as my head stops throbbing. Only never show me another orange as long as I live. Get Edward to look after you and go for a ride in the Comet. You mustn’t miss a moment of this beautiful visit on my account.”
“Do you think there would be anything out of the way in our going over to see Virginia, Cousin Helen? She is not working here any longer the housekeeper says, and I suppose we shall find her at home. We could take her for a motor ride and bring her back to luncheon.”
“Certainly, child, if she will come. Ask her brother’s opinion. He ought to know better than any one else. But whatever you do, be sure and be back to lunch or I shall be very uneasy.”
Billie wished to see Virginia very much. She also wished to find Edward, and the plan of the morning she hoped would bring both of these things about. She felt worried, and anxious to disburden her soul of its secret.
Her three friends had noticed at breakfast how quiet Billie was, for her frank and honest face had never been able to conceal any emotion which saddened or brightened it.
“Aren’t you feeling well to-day, dear?” Mary asked, as they hurried down the hotel walk to look for Edward, who they had been told was probably at the boat landing.
“Quite well,” replied Billie.
“Wilhelmina,” said Nancy sternly, “you know something and you won’t tell. Now, get it out of your system right off, or it will be making you ill.”