The fact that Cecilia Thayer could be old or young, as had been
remarked by one of her companions, was not a mere saying. The
Thayers were strangers in Chelton, and Cecilia was now only home
from school on a vacation. It was generally understood that the
girl was not exactly a daughter of the small household, but
perhaps a niece, or some relative, who made her home with the
people. She never invited her friends to her home, but this was
not considered strange, as her means plainly were not equal to the
circumstances of those with whom she associated.

Not that Cecilia sought this class, because she was constantly
sought by them - she was a brilliant, happy young girl, and, as
such, was a most desirable adjunct to the Chelton younger set.

It was, of course, Cora Kimball who "took her up," and that fact
was sufficient to vouch for all

The girl and Jack were well on the road to Woodbine the morning of
the little meeting by the garage, when, with a very different
expression of countenance to that shown to the party by the
roadside, Cecilia grasped at the arm of the young man beside her.

"It's awfully good of you, Jack," she said, "and I suppose I am
taking desperate chances."

"Good! The idea! It's a privilege," he answered warmly.

"You suspect, of course."