"Then that was when Sam found it. The name is Betty Rand!"
"Oh, do you think they have harmed Betty?" and Cora grew pale.
"Bless you, no! I heard that the girls had been searching the woods for you. She may have dropped it——"
"Oh, I hope so. Dear Betty!" and Cora's eyes welled up. "What would I not give to see them all!"
"Well, now, dear, you must not be impatient. See, I am reforming. I have not smoked today. And that is something that has not occurred in years. If you should make a lady out of a savage, would you think your time ill spent?"
Cora gathered up the robe she wore. It did seem as if she had been in gypsy land so long! She was almost familiar now with its strange ways and customs.
"You are not a savage, and I love your music. If you come out into the world, I am going to take you among my friends. We all have some musical education, but you have musical talent."
"Do you really think so? David loves music. Shall I sing?"
"Are you not afraid of that old woman?" asked Cora.
"Not in the least. Besides, if I sing she will think all is well." She took up her guitar. But after running her fingers across the strings she laid it down again.