"Yes, I suppose so. But what does Mary say?" and he looked sharply at Cora.
"I think I had better read the letter," she said, "for, like all girls, or most of them, at least, she only hints at the most important statement."
"Go ahead," ordered Jack. "I'll listen and close my eyes to call up a picture of pretty Mary. She's pretty, she's witty, she's all a girl—"
He began to sing.
Cora jumped up.
"If any one wants to hear this letter he has got to keep—" she began.
"I'll be good," promised Jack contritely.
Walter gently slipped his arm around Cora's waist. Ed, towering above Walter, put his arm around his chum and Jack's sister. Jack managed to edge under her arm.
"Well, we're a happy family now," said Jack. "You may read the letter, Cora. We each have you all to ourselves."
With a quick move Cora freed herself.