in a card and Mother wouldn't see him or some-
thing. And she's _got_ to!”

Betty laughed a little at Lucia's determi-
nation. But it was a matter of the most
importance to her friend. “Good for you,
Lucia. And I imagine if they once see each
other--”

Betty broke off, for they had reached the
waiting car which so often called for Lucia. She
unfolded the piece of paper on which the
telegram had been copied down as dictated over
the telephone. “Coming. Beach house about
six. Surprise. X.” The periods were repre-
sented by the customary “stop.”

“I can't imagine a certain person's arriving
anywhere that early in the morning,” said
Lucia, “so it's tonight.”

“In that case, Lucia, I may not stay to dinner.
I'd be a fifth wheel, but oh, I'm so glad.”

It was no time before the girls were at the
Murchison door. Betty made herself at home
in Lucia's room while Lucia went to see her
mother, the “X” of the telegram, who was to
be surprised. Doubtless that was only intended
as a public caution, designed to prevent the tele-
gram's being relayed home.

Lucia came back in high spirits. “You ought
to see my mother,” said she. “She's up and in

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