"I'd love to, Bess," said Cora, after a moment's thought. "But
there's poor Jack, you know. I shall probably have to stay home and
nurse him. I can't leave mother all alone."

"Oh, Cora!" murmured Bess, in disappointed tones.




CHAPTER III

THE LACE SELLER


Cora, Bess and Belle were sitting on the broad, long porch of the
Kimball home. It was the next day. To be exact, the day following
the imparting of Cora's news to Bess, of her automobile mishaps, the
day of the news which Bess retailed to her friend and chum,
concerning the trip to the West Indies, and the still more news, if I
may be permitted the expression, of Jack's sudden illness.

Cora and Bess had gone to the post-office to get the expected special
delivery letter, stopping on their way to speak to Dr. Blake, who had
agreed to meet any train on which the stricken Jack might be
expected. But, as it happened, his services were not required that
night, for Jack did not arrive.

To go back a little bit, from the point where we have left the three
girls sitting on the porch, Cora and Bess did find the special