Cricket came back and reported, with much amazement.
“I hope he isn’t going to have mumps again,” said Eunice, anxiously. “Or, perhaps it’s scarlet fever. Did Donald ever have scarlet fever, Marjorie?”
“Yes, I think so. Oh, I don’t suppose he’s going to have any more baby diseases,” said Marjorie. “There’s papa now!”
Doctor Ward entered the house, and the listening girls heard the maid deliver Donald’s message. He removed his coat in his leisurely way, whistling softly in a fashion he had, and went into his office for a moment. Then they heard him go into his study.
The girls waited, breathlessly, but they only heard their father’s cheery:
“Well, my son?” and then the door closed.
The room was directly under them, and they could hear the faint, steady murmur of voices, but nothing more.
Presently Mrs. Ward came home, and the children flew to meet her.
“Donald here, and talking with his father? Well, my little maids, what is the mystery in that? Sick? Oh, I dare say not. Probably he only wants advice from your father about something. Whatever it is, we’ll know presently, if it’s any importance.”
A little later, mamma was called into the conference. She did not stay very long, however, and she soon came out, leaving the door open. The girls, who were now down in the back parlour, could hear their father’s voice distinctly.