The long window opened and Belle almost fell into Cora’s arms.
“Oh, have they gone at last?” she gasped. “What dreadful thing happened?”
“Why, nothing happened,” replied Cora, making up her mind instantly that the fewer persons who knew about the jewel box the better. “I thought them very polite officers.”
“But when I saw you step to turn on the light I thought something happened—I saw you start.”
“Belle, my dear, you are too romantic,” said Cora, evasively. “I am afraid I shall have to disappoint you this time, however, for my callers scarcely said a single word that was new. They are just looking for our runaways. And I do wonder where the poor, dear, lost, little things may be to-night!”
“Isn’t it dreadful to think about it! I have read of such things, but to think that we really—know the girls.”
There was a catch in Belle’s voice when she said “know the girls.” Plainly she had her doubts about the desirability of their acquaintance.
A whistle on the path told of Jack’s return.
“Dear me,” exclaimed Cora, “whoever would think it is almost ten o’clock!”
“And what can have become of papa and the others!” pondered Belle. “They were to call for me——”