How different it was going back over that path! How merrily the girls prattled, and how excited were the men!
It was Cora! Cora! Cora!
And it was Helka! My friend Helka!
Then Lillian. And David! Even Lena!
It was well the automobiles had a few spare seats, for there were now four new passengers to be taken back to the Tip-Top.
"Belle!" said Cora, when she could get her voice, "however did you venture out here?"
"Now, Cora," and Belle protested feebly, "I have been very ill, since you left; and you know I would have gone anywhere to help find you. Anywhere in the world!"
Cora kissed her fondly. Nothing and no one could resist teasing Belle.
"Of course you would! But who has Lena?"
"She is with the Rands," replied Bess, "but we claimed you. Oh, Cora
Kimball!"