We were glad enough to get them home on Saturday afternoon. Edith had a slight cold, but Fan was bright and rosy and glowing in her descriptions. She had never had such fun in her life. They had bought carpets, furniture, pictures, ornaments; the Duncan family silver was wonderful to behold, and the house delightful, just old fashioned enough not to be grand. Mrs. Whitcomb was installed house-keeper and was as much in love with Stephen as everybody else. We were all to make visits as often as we could, and during vacation he meant to have the whole family.
He sent papa a set of new books which were just what he had been wishing for.
“Oh,” exclaimed Nelly, “it will be splendid to go to New York like everybody else. Children, we must begin to save our money.”
“Are there any tidings of Louis?” I asked with my heart in my throat.
“No. Mr. Duncan intends to begin a search himself next week. He is resolved to find him.”
After supper papa came round to Fanny and played with her golden hair and watched her as she talked. How much he loved her! Did he feel that there might be a rival ere long, a break in the chain of girls? Yet she seemed so gladly, so unconsciously happy.
It was the children’s bed time at last. They kissed round and round as if they were never to see anybody again. I had to hurry them finally, their good night was so lingering.
“Fanny,” papa said, “will you come in my study a few moments.”
She put her hand over his shoulder, and his arm was around her waist. I saw them cross the hall, making such a pretty picture that I smiled. Then the door shut.
This was what happened.