"Well, yes, in a way. The relatives to whom Mary is going on a visit are giving a house party for one member of the family who is soon to sail for Europe. Unless Mary starts to-morrow she won't see this forty-second cousin, or whatever she is, and it seems there are family reasons why she should."
"Then she's going soon?"
"Takes the train to-morrow morning."
"Going to be gone long?"
"She isn't sure how long. Hang it all! This upsets all my plans!" and Tom moodily paced the floor.
"Oh, well, it isn't forever! Cheer up!" consoled Ned. "She'll be coming back. My girl went away once."
"Yes, I know. But these people—they——"
Tom paused, significantly, it seemed.
"Well, what's wrong with them?" Ned wanted to know.
"Oh, nothing much, except they're fairly bursting with money."