“They’re probably eating supper. Come on, let’s hurry and get ours over. And meet me as soon as you can afterwards.”
The girls separated at their gates, and Mary Louise ran inside quickly to be on hand to help her mother.
“Daddy isn’t home yet?” she asked, as she carried a plate of hot biscuits to the table.
“No, dear,” answered her mother. “He’s in Chicago—I had a special-delivery letter from him today. He can’t be back before the weekend—Saturday or Sunday.”
Mary Louise sighed. She had been hoping that perhaps she could get some advice from him without giving away any names or places.
Freckles dashed into the room, with Silky close at his heels.
“Where have you been, Sis?” he demanded. “Why didn’t you take Silky with you? He’s been fussing for you.”
“Jane and I had an errand to go,” the girl explained. “And we couldn’t take him along. But we’ll take him with us for a walk after supper.”
“Walk again?” repeated Mrs. Gay, her forehead wrinkled in disapproval. “Mary Louise, you’re doing too much! You must get some rest!”
“We shan’t be out long, Mother. It isn’t a date or anything. Jane and I want to take a little stroll, with Silky, after supper. Isn’t it all right if I promise to go to bed very early?”