Cora was swift and business-like. "See here, Laura, I've got to keep my head about me. You can do a great deal for me, if you won't be emotional just now, and help me not to be. I can't afford it, because I've got to do things, and I'm going to do them just as quickly as I can, and get it over. If I wait any longer I'll go insane. I _can_'T wait! You've been a wonderful sister to me; I've always counted on you, and you've never once gone back on me. Right now, I need you to help me more than I ever have in my life. Will you----" "But I must know----" "No, you needn't! I'll tell you just this much: I've got myself in a devil of a mess----" Laura threw her arms round her: "Oh, my dear, dear little sister!" she cried. But Cora drew away. "Now that's just what you mustn't do. I can't stand it! You've got to be _quiet_. I can't----" "Yes, yes," Laura said hurriedly. "I will. I'll do whatever you say." "It's perfectly simple: all I want you to do is to take charge of my travelling-bag, and, when a messenger-boy comes, give it to him without letting anybody know anything about it." "But I've got to know where you're going--I can't let you go and not----" "Yes, you can! Besides, you've promised to. I'm not going to do anything foolish ----" "Then why not tell me?" Laura began. She went on, imploring Cora to confide in her, entreating her to see their mother--to do a dozen things altogether outside of Cora's plans. "You're wasting your breath, Laura," said the younger sister, interrupting, "and wasting my time. You're in the dark: you think I'm going to run away with Val Corliss and you're wrong. I sent him out of the house for good, a while ago----" "Thank heaven for that!" cried Laura. "I'm going to take care of myself," Cora went on rapidly. "I'm going to get out of the mess I'm in, and you've got to let me do it my own way. I'll send you a note from downtown. You see that the messenger----" She was at the door, but Laura caught her by the sleeve, protesting and beseeching. Cora turned desperately. "See here. I'll come back in two hours and tell you all about it. If I promise that, will you promise to send me the bag by the----" "But if you're coming back you won't need----" Cora spoke very quietly. "I'll go to pieces in a moment. Really, I do think I'd better jump out of the window and have it over." "I'll send the bag," Laura quavered, "if you'll promise to come back in two hours." "I promise!" Cora gave her a quick embrace, a quick kiss, and, dry-eyed, ran out of the room, down the stairs, and out of the house.