"In my charge?" Margaret said inquiringly, looking surprised. "But she is not ill now, father! See how cheerful and bright she was last night. And she has taken several walks. Oh, she is heaps better and stronger than she was! I don't think you need worry about her."
"Perhaps not; but, nevertheless, I want you to devote as much of your time as you can to her during my absence. I have spoken to Miss Conway, and she has consented to give you a holiday till I return. Had I not seen you this morning, Miss Conway would have explained my wishes to you. I desire you to accompany your mother when she drives out, and when she goes into the village, or down to the beach—in short, make yourself her companion, my dear, until I return. Do you understand?"
"Yes, father, I think so," Margaret replied, impressed by his serious tone. "I expect mother will be dull when you are gone, so I will do my best to brighten her up!"
"That's a good child!"
"Only, sometimes she much prefers to have Gerald with her to me!"
"I would rather she had you. Remember what I have said, Margaret. I hope I shall not be away very long, but it will of course depend upon circumstances."
Mr. Fowler made an excellent breakfast, and afterwards went upstairs to say good-bye to his wife, whilst Margaret waited for him in the hall. He kissed his little girl tenderly on his return, then, it being quite time for him to leave, entered the carriage which was waiting at the door, and was driven off. Margaret felt a little depressed as she listened to the sound of the carriage wheels dying away in the distance, for she was exceedingly attached to her father, and home did not seem like home without him.
Knowing her mother must be awake, she went upstairs, and knocked at her bedroom door. On being told to come in, to her surprise, Mrs. Fowler declared her intention of getting up to breakfast.
"But do you feel well enough?" Margaret asked, for up to the present Mrs. Fowler, having been an invalid, had always breakfasted in her own room at Greystone.
"Oh, yes!" was the quick response. "I'm tired of being treated like a sick person! What a beautiful, bright morning it is, and not so hot, is it? Your father will have a fine day for his journey."