"

"Mrs. Lewis!" exclaimed Bess in surprise.

"Yes, but we won't call her housekeeper. I haven't thought it all out
yet; in fact, I am not sure they will come, but I hope so."

"Oh, so do I; that would be fine," and Bess almost forgot how black
the night was. "I met Mrs. Lewis the day we came, and I could not help
thinking what a fine, wholesome mother Freda had."

"Yes, I have been talking to her and I think she is just that--fine
and wholesome. And goodness knows," added Cora fervently, "we need
some weight at the Mote. But they may not consent. I happened to
overhear a remark this afternoon that set me to thinking. I am afraid
poor Freda and her mother are in for further trouble."

They hurried along, making their way with difficulty in the deep sand
that covered road and path alike. Once or twice they paused, startled
at the sound of men's voices, then hurried the more to make up for
lost time.

"Why didn't we have one of the boys come with us?" asked Bess.

"Because I am not ready yet to have the boys know all our plans, and
to trust one of them--Bess Robinson, you know our boys. What one knows
the rest can guess."

"That's so," mused Bess. "Is that the cottage?"

"Yes, right over there," and Cora indicated a light through the trees.
"I am glad they are still up!"

It was only a few steps further, and this space was rapidly covered.
As the two girls reached the porch, and before they had a chance to
touch the knocker, the door was opened by Freda.

"Who is it?" she asked in a frightened voice.

"Only Cora and Bess," Cora replied, noting the fear in Freda's tone.
"Are we too late to come in?"

"No, indeed," Freda replied, reassured. "I was afraid it might be
unwelcome visitors, but you are heartily welcome."

The living room of the cottage was typical of the seashore--a long
apartment, with field-stone fireplace and fumed fir trim. The stairway
led up from the room and gave it an air of even greater spaciousness.
Altogether it was most attractive. Mrs. Lewis, a slim, fine-featured
woman, rose from her rocker as the girls entered.

"It is late to call," began Cora, "but our business is really urgent.
We have been left all alone suddenly--our housekeeper says she
received a hurried call to go back to her family in the city. I don't
question the call, I know how often and faithfully they follow maids
who find a country place lonely; but the fact is we girls do not fancy
staying alone to-night."

"W