“Dear me, how long the cars are coming,” said Harold. “Your mamma will think we are lost, and won’t believe I am taking very good care of you.”
They reached home at last, but not before Mrs. Ford had, indeed, begun to feel much worried at their long absence. But she did not scold, after she had heard their joyous voices at her door, and learned what had detained them.
Mabel concluded her story with: “So, you see, we couldn’t help it. Was it very wrong to stay, mamma?”
“Perhaps not; although it has given me an anxious hour. Still, it is worth that much to see my little girl relieved of her anxiety, and to know that she has well earned her right to be trusted again. And also, that she has proven, beyond question, that she is honest and faithful. Papa will be so very glad, dear.”
“May I go to him right away? Is he in the library?” Mabel asked.
“Yes, he is there; and you may go right away.”
Mabel turned, a little doubtfully, to where Harold had stood a moment before; but he had taken in the situation, and had left the room. “Oh, Harold isn’t here,” said the little girl. “Mamma, ought I to ask him to go with me to papa?”
“You would rather not?”
“Don’t you think I ought to, when he helped me so much about getting the book?”
“Not necessarily; and I think he has gone off on purpose, for I am sure he understands how you feel. If he comes back, I’ll tell him that you intended to ask him. Now, run along, dearie.”