Popsie said "Yes," and flew away.
A long interval followed: and Maggie did not come. It was evident to me that some preconcerted plan for making me repent my presence there was being acted out. I blamed myself for being sure that Miss Millington was to blame for this; yet I was sure. I sat waiting, alone and lonely. It would never do for me to go in chase of Maggie: but I made up my mind to speak to her seriously next day.
To my relief Denham dashed up. "Can't find Nona!" he said. I could not make out from his face whether he were in fun or in earnest.
"When did you see her last?" I inquired.
"Oh, lots of time since. We're having a game of hide-and-seek, and she's tucked herself away somewhere."
"You had better find her quickly, for it is time to start for home," I said.
He dashed off again, and I heard his voice shouting, "Nona! Nona! No—na!" all through the valley. I followed, and presently came upon him, with Maggie, the children, and Miss Millington, seeming to hold a consultation.
"Have you not found Nona yet?" I asked.
"No!" came in chorus.
"I sent a message by Popsie that I wished to speak to you, Maggie, about going home," I observed. "But of course, we cannot leave till Nona is found."