“Oh, I am so sorry—so, so sorry!” repeated Jane softly. “Poor Letty, I wish you could come with us.”
“We’re going to the farm to spend the summer,” explained Christopher. “Our grandfather’s farm. Don’t you remember we told you about it?”
“Indeed I do remember. How happy you both must be.”
“We are. And wouldn’t you like to come too?” asked Jane impulsively.
“Of course I should like it, if I could,” and Letty’s voice grew very wistful.
Just then a long train, with bell jangling and escaping steam hissing, rolled up to the opposite platform with a loud rumble. The waiting group of people hastened to get on it.
“Letty, Letty!” called some one sharply. “Come at once.”
“Oh, Letty,” cried Jane, “must you go? Please don’t. We don’t want to lose you again!”
“Letty, you’ll miss the train,” called a gruff masculine voice, and added, “Hurry up, now,” in a tone not to be disobeyed.
The conductor of the waiting train, his eye on his watch, emphasized the need of haste by shouting “All aboard” very peremptorily.