“All done, Sis,” murmured Jack. “We always travel in light marching order, and sleep on our arms,” and he bent closer to the blushing Marita.
Cora bit her lip. Really she was provoked at Jack this time. She and her chums were in the midst of packing for their annual Summer trip, and to be interrupted this way, at the last critical moment, was provoking.
“Jack!” she began. “I shall tell mother——”
“What’s he been doing now?” asked a new voice, and with a gesture of despair Cora turned to see another young man in the doorway.
“Come on in, Ed,” called Jack. “Didn’t know you were in town. You’re just in time to assist.”
“What’s it all about?” asked the newcomer. “Are you going or coming?” he inquired, as he looked at the partially-filled suitcases and trunks.
“Both,” answered Walter. “You’re coming and they’re going.”
“Good!” was the comment. “Hello, Cora—Bess—Belle——” He paused as he nodded to each of the girls, and looked questioningly at Marita in the corner with Jack.
“Oh, excuse me,” murmured Cora. “Miss Osborne, let me present to you Mr. Edward Foster—just plain Ed, mostly.”
“The plainer the better,” observed the newcomer, as he bowed to Marita. “But what’s it all about, Jack?—No, there’s no use asking him,” he murmured as he noted Cora’s brother resuming his interrupted conversation with the little girl. “Will someone please enlighten me?”