"Will you get the sirup now?"
"Yes, of course.—When is he coming back?"
"He isn't coming back. Please hurry, Fairy, and then call the others. The oatmeal is ready."
Fairy went soberly down cellar, and brought up the golden sirup. Then, ostensibly to call her sisters, she hurried up the stairs.
"Girls," she began, carefully closing the door of their room behind her. "Jerry has gone, and isn't coming back any more. And for goodness' sake, don't keep asking questions about it. Just eat your breakfast as usual, and have a little tact."
"Gone!"
"Yes."
"A lovers' quarrel," suggested Lark, and her eyes glittered greedily.
"Nothing of the sort. And don't keep staring at Prue, either. And do not keep talking about Jerry all the time. You mind me, or I will tell papa."
"That's funny," said Carol thoughtfully. "We left them kissing each other like mad in the back yard last night,—and this morning he has gone to return no more. They are crazy."