“So do I,” joined in Belle.

Cora again referred to the proposed purchase of a car for the twins, and though they were disappointed that they could not have it at once, Cora was rather glad, as she felt it would be a chance for Paul to get the order.  Jack was appealed to, and gave the two sisters so many points about autos that they declared they felt quite bewildered.

“Well, I think we’d better be leaving, Cora, dear,” said Elizabeth at length, and the good-bys were said, with many whispered promises made to come over the next day to finish up the party plans.

“Cora,” said Jack, when the pretty twins had gone down the path, “I want a chance to talk to you.  You’ve been so busy of late that I haven’t had an opportunity.”

“In just a minute, Bud,” interrupted his sister, feeling in her sleeve for the unread letter.  “I must run upstairs for just a moment.  Then I’ll be right down.”

“Yes, and then some one else will come in, and it will be the same thing over to-morrow.  No, sis, you’re not treating me right,” and Jack’s tone betrayed some grievance.

But Cora decided that she must read her letter, and she promised that she would soon return to the porch.

“I know it’s from Mary Downs,” she told herself as she glided up the stairs to the privacy of her oven room.  “And I never could read it before any one.”

She hastily tore open the envelope.  Yes, the letter was signed with Mary’s name, and it was dated from Silver Falls.

Cora’s heart beat expectantly.  She had hoped, ever since the day of the eventful ride, that Mary might be able to furnish some clue to the missing money.  She was such an observing girl.  Cora began to read the letter.  It ran: 

“My dear miss Kimball:  I was so sorry to leave you without having a chance to thank you for the pleasant time you gave me, but I was called away unexpectedly that same afternoon.  It would only bore you to hear all the details.  I simply had to come here, and here I am still.  It was most unfortunate, for Madam Julia will never forgive me, and even to her I dislike to tell the reason for the hurried trip.  In fact, I think she would not understand it.  Well, enough about that.

“I just want to thank you for the lovely time you gave me, and I am so sorry I cannot talk with you, for I have read of the loss of Mr. Foster’s money, and surely it was a very strange thing to happen.  If I had a chance I might be able to give you a clue but it would not be wise to write it.  I expect to be back in Chelton soon, and then I will tell you what I think about it, for I know I can trust you.

“With kindest regards,

“MaryDowns.

“P.S.—­I was greatly surprised yesterday to meet Mr. Wilcox,

or, rather, to see him pass in a new automobile.  He did not see me.  I did not want him to. 
                                            M. D.”