"No, not exactly, but almost as bad. Oh, Cora, I—I wish I could tell you, but I—I daren't!" and again Ida sobbed hysterically.
"Well, Ida, dear, you don't have to tell me now—maybe not at any time," spoke Cora soothingly as she placed her arm about the girl's waist. "Come along for a ride in the Whirlwind. That will settle your nerves."
"Where are you going?" asked Ida as she noticed they were not heading for Chelton.
"We'll go to New City, Ida," went on Cora with sudden resolve. "I want to ask you a question."
"Yes," spoke Ida nervously.
"Did you lose anything at my party?" and Cora's thoughts were on the diamond ring in the safe.
"No," replied Ida firmly.
"Didn't you, really?" insisted Cora, surprised that Ida would not admit ownership of the ring.
"I—I didn't lose anything, Cora," and Cora wondered at the stress
Ida placed on the word "lose."
"Well, I have a secret to tell you. Jack did not want me to speak of it, but I'm going to, for I'm just consumed with curiosity. Paul Hastings found a beautiful diamond ring in his pocket after the fete, and your initials were engraved in the gold."