"Oh, is it Paul?" asked Hazel. "Tell me quickly. What has happened to
Paul?"
"Hazel," said Cora, "you must have your lunch. You are dreadfully excitable."
But it was Cora Kimball who was distracted, who played with her lunch without apparent appetite, and it was she who could take but one cup of tea in the fascinating little tea-house, the college girls' Grotto.
CHAPTER XIV
THE PROMISE BOOK LOST
"Now, Cora, dear," began Gertrude, in her quiet, yet convincing way, "you may just as well tell us what you are waiting for. We are guessing all sorts of things, and the truth cannot possibly be as bad."
They were sitting on the porch of the Grotto, and although they were away behind scheduled time at that point, Cora insisted she wanted to rest a bit, and seemed loath to move.
Cora Kimball tired after twenty-five miles! As well accuse the
Whirlwind of drinking its own gasoline.
Hazel was almost feverish. Cora had not divulged the purport of the telephone message, beyond admitting it was from Ed, which gave Ray the chance for her little joke on the combination of names—Cora and Ed, the "Co-Eds."
"When the Co-Eds conspire," lisped Ray, "we may as well wait patiently.
We will have to wait their pleasure, of course."