HAREBELL WAS FRANTIC WITH CURIOSITY.
Harebell sighed disconsolately. She slipped downstairs. The drawing-room door was open. She peeped inside, and saw her aunt sitting at her writing-table, her head bowed in her hands. Some instinct prevented her from going in. She sang out:
"Good-bye, Aunt Diana. I'm just off!"
Mrs. Keith started, then came forward and bent down and kissed her. As she did so, a tear fell on Harebell's cheek.
The child said nothing except:
"May I come over and ride Chris, as I always do?"
"If Mrs. Garland likes you to do so. Andy will be here, but you must do everything that you are told at the Rectory. It is extremely good of them to have you."
Harebell promised she would, then flew off to Andy.
"It's all coming to pass, Andy," she whispered excitedly. "Tears melt ice, and I'm sure my lost uncle is coming home."
Andy shook his head. Evidently he was not in the secret.