“The little rascal. And what did Thomas do?”
“Oh! he let her. People always let her. I do myself.”
“She’s a fascinating kid,” Truedale said with a laugh. Then, very earnestly: “I’m rather glad we do not know her antecedents, Lyn; it’s safer to take her as we find her and build on that. But I’d be willing to risk a good deal that much love and goodness are back of little Ann, no matter how much else got twisted in. And the love and goodness must be her passport through life.”
“Yes, Con, and they are all that are worth while.”
But every change was a period of struggle to Ann and those who dealt with her. She had a passionate power of attachment to places and people, and readjustment caused her pain and unrest.
When school was considered, it almost made her ill. She clung to Truedale and implored him not to make her go away.
“But it’s only for the day time, Ann,” he explained, “and you will have children to play with—little girls like yourself.”
“No; no! I don’t want children—only Bobbie! I only want my folks!”
Lynda came to her defense.
“Con, we’ll have a governess for a year or so.”