“Oh, we thought you were—that is we were looking for Peg Ramsdell,” stammered Cleo.
“She’s not home,” snapped the intruder. “I’m Leonore Fairbanks. I don’t think you happen to know my name,” said the one who had formerly played only silly parts, “and I came here on business.” She made this very emphatic. “The dog is so vicious he won’t let me go near the door or I might get what I want even though Peg is away.”
How evident was her change of manner! Why?
“Shag is trained to take care of the cottage, I believe,” ventured Cleo, noticing how faithfully the big collie performed his duty, for while Leonore Fairbanks kept down on the path he was friendly enough, but each time she attempted to put her foot on a step of the porch he growled threateningly.
“We must hurry after our friends,” Grace said awkwardly. “We are going on an all-day hike.”
“Over to Big Nose?” asked Leonore.
“That way,” replied Cleo.
“Then you may meet Peg.” The girl’s face swiftly changed as evidently her mind was working as swiftly. “Say,” she spoke suddenly, “be good sports and don’t mention that you’ve seen me here, will you?”
“Why?” demanded both girls in unison.
“Because you know she’s such a crazy kid and does such foolish things really. You can believe me it will be all the better for her if she doesn’t go flying off the reel, as she would if she knew I came up here. I came on business for dad, and you know I hate to ask a favor, but it would be best if you didn’t mention this. If you are a friend of Peg’s I think you might do that much for her.”