"I was playing with the babies—"
"Surely it wasn't Aunt Jane?"
"No." She had stopped sobbing and raised her sweet eyes, the tears still beading the lashes.
"Why do you want to go away, then?"
There was no answer. Did she really want to go? The arm about her was very friendly. She had felt almost afraid of this big brother, but his voice went to her heart.
"I think we cannot spare you. I know we cannot spare your mother."
"Annis! Annis!" called the clear girl's voice.
"Here, Patty," answered her brother, and the young girl ran down to them. She smiled at Annis.
"What happened?" Louis asked.
"It was that little cat Rene! She didn't scratch, though. Rene has been spoiled by everybody, and she believes now that no one has any rights but herself."