She was grateful for the presents and she hated to say goodbye. But it had been an interesting visit. Next to the excitement of opening all the presents, Millie’s “pop call” was the high light of the holidays. One can weary even of holidays but they would soon be over now. Nurse had promised Mimi she could meet the trains and she could hardly wait.
“Imagine me, me of all people, anxious for holidays to end, but I am, Nursie, I sincerely am.”
CHAPTER XV
DADDY SENDS A CLUE
“Did you have a good time with Aunt Marcia, Chloe?”
“Er-r—certainly, Mimi. Why do you ask?”
“Nothing.”
Mimi blushed. She could not fib with a straight face. She edged around keeping her back away from Chloe as she was clutching behind her a letter which had just come from Daddy. Perhaps it was the effect of the letter but it seemed to Mimi, Chloe had looked disturbed and paler since the holidays. In contrast to her wistful dark eyes, her skin seemed ivory white. The other girls had come back sparkling and glowing, telling and re-telling good times they experienced at home. Betsy was radiant. Sue was voluble. The first night she was back Mrs. Cole had had to rap sharply on the door of Tumble Inn to stop the talking after light-bell. They hadn’t given Chloe a chance to get a word in edge ways had she wanted it. Mimi had waited hopefully for the slightest word from her but none had come. She had to pull to get much out of Chloe.
“You didn’t have an opportunity to ask Aunt Marcia—anything—important?”
“What could I ask, Mimi?” Chloe countered. “The once or twice I have broached the topic Aunt Marcia has hedged or changed the subject. She was so kind Christmas and seemed so happy to have me with her. She must be awfully lonely, too, or she never would have adopted me. She tried to plan things I’d like but right in the middle of whatever we’d be doing I’d think—you’re not my Aunt, you’re not even kin to me! Who are you?”—Chloe was choking—“Who am I?”
Mimi hugged Chloe close. Chloe did not shrink. She laid her beautiful, tired head against Mimi and sobbed.