"Perhaps you could have prevented the fire," said Amy, with some sarcasm.
"I could have prevented your staying at any house but the most fire-proof hotel in the town, and that I believe is still standing."
"What did you save?" asked Lucian, in an effort to turn the conversation.
"Oh, my mother's picture," said Martine, softly. And then, as if afraid of seeming sentimental, "But I lost an emerald ring and all my silver brushes, and a pair of slippers, and one of my gloves, and a dozen postage stamps."
"Stop, stop, Martine."
"Well, I saved my best stock, and Mrs. Redmond saved her umbrella, and we—"
"Are all clothed and in our right minds, excepting you, Martine, who seem in danger of losing yours," interrupted Amy. "I believe that carriage at the door is the one that Mr. Taunton telephoned for; so, if we are going to Halifax to-day, it is surely time to start on our shopping expedition."
Acting on this suggestion, Priscilla and Martine helped Amy gather together their few remaining possessions, while Mrs. Redmond discussed her plans with Fritz.
When at last the moment came for the few words of farewell, Mrs. Redmond and the girls felt that in bidding good-bye to Mrs. Andrews and the Tauntons they were parting with friends whom they had known for weeks instead of hours.
Mrs. Redmond and the girls drove to the station, where Fritz and Lucian met them after a brisk walk down town.