"Ye—yes! If you'll k-k-keep me."
"Sure we'll keep you," said Marty gruffly. He was much moved by the little girl's tears. "You stop her from gulpin' that way, Janice. She'll—she'll swallow her palate!"
"She's in no danger, Marty," the older girl said. "She's just sobbing."
Lottie's tempestuous sobs began to subside. Janice led her toward the kitchen door, whispering: "Is there anything the matter with papa or Mamma 'Rill? Tell me, Lottie."
"Just that they ain't going to want me any more," repeated Lottie.
"Has Mrs. Scattergood been talking to you?" whispered Janice.
The visitor nodded emphatically but said nothing more. Janice turned to Marty, and the boy wondered why she looked so angry. He had not done anything out of the way, he was sure.
"Run right across town to the store, Marty, and tell Mr. Drugg and his wife where she is. Tell them she is going to stay all night with me. But don't tell them anything else."
"Huh?" queried Marty.
"Not a thing. Just that she came here to stay all night with me and I didn't want them to be worried. That's enough."