“Why didn’t you ask them to supper, mother? You said you were going to,” demanded Donald, as he watched the sisters walk down the path.
“Your cousin is too tired for company,” said his mother, who had planned a little festivity for Faith and her friends on their return, but had quickly decided that her little niece would be better pleased not to see the sisters again that day.
“All the more cake for us then,” said Donald cheerfully, for he had seen a fine cake on the dining-room table; “there comes the shoemaker’s girl,” he added. “Shall you ask her to stay, mother?”
“Yes, indeed,” and Mrs. Scott turned to give Louise a cordial welcome.
“Faith is resting on the sofa, but you may go right in, Louise. I know she will be glad to see you,” she said, smiling down at the dark-eyed little girl. “When are you coming to make us another visit?”
“Father said I might stay all night if you asked me,” responded Louise, who now felt sure that Mrs. Scott was her friend.
“We shall be glad indeed to have you, my dear. Let me take your cap and cape. And go in and cheer up Faithie, for I fear she has had an unhappy time,” said Mrs. Scott.
Louise’s smile faded. She had never had a friend until Faith Carew came to Ticonderoga, and the thought that any one had made Faith unhappy made her ready to inflict instant punishment on the offenders.
“Oh, Louise! I’m so glad it’s you!” exclaimed Faith, as she heard the sound of Louise’s crutch stubbing across the floor.
Louise sat down beside the crumpled little figure on the sofa.