"Isn't it too mean? I never thought that Cecilia would act so. I
think Jack knows why."

Bess Robinson was talking to Cora. Her voice betrayed something
other than disappointment. Bess now called Cecilia by her full
name - the affectionate "Clip" had been laid aside. Besides this
she hesitated when Jack's name was needed in her conversation.
The fact was perfectly evident. Jack's attention to Cecilia,
their runaway ride, and the consequent talk, had rather hurt Bess.
Jack had always been a very good friend to her.

"But Clip simply can't come," said Cora. "Her machine is out of
order, and, besides this, she is called away to look after some
sick relative."

"Cora Kimball!" exclaimed Bess. "You're a perfect baby. Sick
relative! Why, every one sickens a relative when they want to go
away in a hurry. It might be interesting to know who else has a
made-up sick relative who demands, say, Jack's immediate
attention."

"Why, Bess! I'm surprised that you should speak so bitterly. You
know perfectly well that Jack's going to the races. You heard
them make all the arrangements - Jack, Ed and Walter. Besides - "
Cora stopped. She tossed back her pretty head as if too disgusted
to speak. She was packing the last of her touring things into the
hampers of the Whirlwind. She would have everything ready for the
early start next morning. Bess Robinson had run over for final
instructions, when Cora announced that Cecilia Thayer could not go
with them on the motor girls' tour. This information drove all