"But his machine is out of order, and he as much as said that he didn't intend to get it fixed right away," persisted Belle.
"Maybe he's going to get a new one," ventured Cora.
"I don't see how he can," replied Belie. "I heard father say he was dreadfully in debt. His folks had some dealings with father, I believe, about advancing him some money that is to come to him when he is a certain age, but it won't be for some time yet. They had to have some to pay his debts."
"You ought not to repeat that, Belle," cautioned Bess. "You know father would be displeased if he knew you had spoken of his private affairs."
"Well, I'm sure it will go no further—with Cora," retorted Belle.
"I wouldn't mention it to any one else."
"Of course, I'll not repeat it," promised Cora. "But what do you think about Mary leaving so suddenly?"
"I don't know what to think," replied Bess. "It looks odd, to say the least. What reason would she have for leaving town so-well, mysteriously, to put it mildly?"
"Of course, it may be a mere coincidence," went on Cora, "but in connection with her talk with Ida and Sid—well, I have often noticed that matters conspire to `look strange' whenever there is a chance of making complications."