“Was it in Good Children Street that she went?”
“No. It was before. It was away across the river, because Tante Pauline, and Mr. Raste, and I, and Tony in his basket, all came in a big boat.”
“You see Jane Chetwynd never left Gretna,” said Mrs. Lanier in an awe-struck voice.
“Where is Tante Pauline now?” continued Arthur.
“I don’t know. I ran away, and I haven’t seen her for ever so long.”
“Why did you run away from her? Didn’t you love her?”
“No, no! Please don’t ask me,—please don’t,” and suddenly she covered her little flushed, troubled face with both hands and began to cry silently.
“We mustn’t question her any more, Arthur,” said Mrs. Lanier softly, as she soothed the child. “Her little heart has been probed to the very depths. She is a noble little soul, and she won’t utter a complaint against that wretched woman.”
“Never mind, my darling; forget all about Tante Pauline. You will never see her again, and no one shall make you unhappy. You are my child now, and you shall stay with me always, and to-morrow we are going to buy Christmas presents for all your friends in Good Children Street.”
“And I”—whispered Arthur, pressing his cheek close against her golden head—“I have a Christmas present for you; so wipe away your tears, and prepare to be very happy.”