“They might,” ventured Jack. “You see, the girls were not altogether to blame. They were orphans, and did not have a good home.”
The woman looked puzzled. “I wonder if they could have been the two girls who were here yesterday?” she said. “They left early this morning, and I so much wanted them to stay to-day. Could you describe them?”
“Well, I am afraid not,” said Jack, “but my sister is a guest here, and it is she who is interested in these poor girls.” Jack felt infinitely better now that he had, in a measure, cleared himself of a personal interest in the runaways.
“If you will wait until I give a few dinner orders,” said Miss Turner, “I will go with you and talk with your sister. I am always willing, and anxious, to assist needy young girls.”
This offer was accepted with thanks, and presently Jack conducted the matron to the private parlor, where he knew he would be able to arrange a quiet talk between her and Cora.
[CHAPTER XVIII—LOOKOUT BEACH]
“Isn’t it perfectly dreadful!”
“Simply awful!”
“It surely isn’t true!”
“But it’s there—every word of it!”