only an excuse to escape college."

"What did he do?" asked Bess, slyly.

"Said Walter and Harry might--kiss me!" and Cora's face flushed.

"And--er--did they?" asked Belle.

"Belle Robinson! If you--well!" and Cora closed her lips in a firm
line.

Her mother smiled.

"Perhaps we had better go up and see Inez," suggested Mrs. Kimball.

"Yes, do!" urged Cora, eager to change the subject.

The lace seller was sitting up in bed, and the white lounging gown
that had been put on her, in exchange for her simple black dress,
made her seem the real Spaniard, with her deep, olive complexion.
She smiled at the sight of the girls.

"Pardon, Senoritas!" she murmured, as Cora and her chums entered the
room. "I am so sorry that I give you ze trouble. It is too bad--I
am confused at my poor weakness. But I--I--"

"You needn't apologize one bit!" burst out Cora, generously. "I'm
sure you need the rest."

"Yes, Senorita, I was weary--so very weary. It is good--to rest."