"Yet," said Mary Lee thoughtfully, "I've seen him look very serious and almost stern; you wouldn't think he could when he is so jolly and full of fun."
"I think it is when he has been talking about his son that he looks that way."
"I wonder he can be so merry," said Mary Lee.
"Why, but Mary Lee, that happened years ago, before our father died. I am sure we loved our father, and yet we can laugh and carry on just the same as if he were here."
Mary Lee acknowledged the truth of this, but the thought of it took them back to their Virginia home, and Nan said: "Oh, Mary Lee, do you remember how cold it was last year and how we all went over to Uplands with the Christmas gifts? Poor old Uplands all in ruins. Daniella was with us then. I wonder where she is now."
"Never mind about Daniella, let us talk about Miss Dolores," said Mary Lee. "Wouldn't it be fine if she could discover something about her father? I have thought about it so much. Do you suppose we could do it?"
"Gracious, girl, how could we when we don't even know his name. She doesn't know it herself."
"I know that, but there might be a way; such strange things do happen. Can't you think of some plan, Nan? You are always so clever about puzzling out things."
Nan felt that after her teasing remarks she did not deserve this compliment to her powers, and in return became as serious as her sister could desire. "I'll tell you what we'll do," she said after having given the subject grave consideration for a few minutes. "We'll tell Mr. St. Nick about it; there's no telling what he may advise."
"When he couldn't find his own daughter-in-law I don't believe he could do much for Miss Dolores," argued Mary Lee.