“Well, what did she say?” the doctor asked.
“All sorts of nasty, silly things,” answered Molly, growing very red. “Any[Pg 267]how, she went out of the house and said she was never coming back if—”
“If what?”
“Oh, nothing!” said Miss Ryan hastily. “Only—she went. Some one had to get your lunch, so I stayed.”
“You—stayed!” Dr. Joe repeated, as if stunned. “You—stayed!”
Miss Ryan grew redder than ever.
“It wasn’t anything to do,” she said. “I couldn’t go to work, anyway, on account of Frankie, because grandma hasn’t come back yet.” Her face changed. “I can’t help thinking it’s queer,” she went on anxiously. “I can’t help worrying. She never did such a thing before. She just left a note.”
The girl hesitated for a moment. Then from the pocket of her apron she drew out a piece of wrapping paper and handed it to him. On it was printed, in pencil:
i have to go away a wile—gran.
Miss Ryan watched Dr. Joe while he read it; then their eyes met.