the choking process," remarked Cora. "She looked as if she would
like to have done it."

"But what in the world do you suppose she wants with a motor hood?"
asked Belle.

"To ride with Sid, of course," answered Cora.

"But his machine is out of order, and he as much as said that he
didn't intend to get it fixed right away," persisted Belle.

"Maybe he's going to get a new one," ventured Cora.

"I don't see how he can," replied Belie. "I heard father say he was
dreadfully in debt. His folks had some dealings with father, I
believe, about advancing him some money that is to come to him when
he is a certain age, but it won't be for some time yet. They had to
have some to pay his debts."

"You ought not to repeat that, Belle," cautioned Bess. "You know
father would be displeased if he knew you had spoken of his private
affairs."

"Well, I'm sure it will go no further--with Cora," retorted Belle.
"I wouldn't mention it to any one else."

"Of course, I'll not repeat it," promised Cora. "But what do you
think .about Mary leaving so suddenly?"

"I don't know what to think," replied Bess. "It looks odd. to say