“Oh, I haven’t any special reason for saying so, and yet–oh, well, it doesn’t make any difference I suppose, but—”
“Bess Robinson, just what do you mean?” and Cora’s eyes lost their slumberous inclination as she faced her chum.
“Why, Cora dear, nothing at all,” and Bess spoke very sweetly. “Only, from the way you spoke to Jack, and the way he answered, I fancied–oh, really it’s nothing at all. I shouldn’t have said it.”
“I don’t like those half-formed questions, Bess. If you think anything—”
“No, really I’m too tired to think, Cora. I’m going to bed.” They had adjoining rooms.
“Perhaps you have some theory yourself?” suggested Cora.
“None in the least. I don’t even know what a theory is. Is it that algebra affair?”
“No,” answered Cora, with a laugh. “You are hopeless, Bess. Good-night!”
Jack and the other boys were up early, despite the former’s objection to a too-soon breakfast. They ate before the girls had come down, and then went around to the garage to see about the cars, Jack to get a new tire for his, while Norton wanted the ignition system of his engine gone over.
It was when these attentions had been given that Norton, with a twinkle in his eyes, exclaimed: