"Would it make it any easier if I were to read it, dear?"
"No, oh, no!" cried Mollie, then smoothed out the crushed paper and read the telegram through while her face grew whiter and her lips closed in a tense line. With a queer little sound in her throat she turned away and handed it to Betty.
"Read it," she commanded in a choked voice.
Mrs. Ford put an arm about Mollie while Betty read aloud and the girls crowded closer.
It was a brief, paralyzing message the telegram contained.
"Twins are gone. Were not home last night, and am wild with anxiety. No need your coming home. Am doing everything possible to find them. Mother."
"Gone!" added Grace, stupefied. "Oh, Betty, are you sure you read it aright?"
For answer, Betty handed her the telegram and turned to comfort Mollie, who was sobbing bitterly.
"I knew I shouldn't have gone away," she was saying over and over again. "I knew I should have stayed at home."