"Oh, yes, Jack, dear!" she replied. Adele had gone out to fetch the chairs in from the porch. "I have been almost frantic. Where are you? Where is Clip? Where is Wren?"
"Oh, easy there, now, sis," and Cora thought she had never before appreciated the value of a real brother. "I can't answer everything at once, although I can come pretty near it. First, I am here—at home. Next, Clip is here—at our home, and third, the other party—I won't mention names—is here also."
"All at our house?" exclaimed Cora.
And the answer came: "Exactly that. But you mustn't say a word to any one. You know, there has been a sort of rumpus. Do you want to speak with C.? She is here."
"Hello, Cora," came Cecilia's voice. "How are you? Not getting on with your trip very fast, I guess."
"Oh, Clip!" said Cora. "I cannot understand it—"
"You are not supposed to," replied the other. "We are all right, you are all right, and what more do you ask?"
"How is Paul?"
"Well, he did have quite a time, but is improving. Say, Cora," and the voice was subdued, "don't call us up until you hear from me. I can't explain now. But where shall I write—say in two days' time?"
"Two days!" repeated Cora. "Do you expect me to exist that long and not know—"