Jean complied, and, as she was making room for the last few articles in the already crowded valise, Helen came and stood beside her.
"Dearie," she said, as she drew on her gloves, "will you please be very attentive to Aunt Helen while I am away, and not leave her too much alone? And, oh, Jean, do look after the children. Don't have them off your mind for a moment. I am always so afraid that something will happen to them when I am not here."
Jean laughed cheerily.
"That is nonsense, Helen. Why in the world should you worry? Of course I will look after them."
"I know you always do, dear; only I wanted to remind you."
"Well, you need not be anxious. When will you return?"
"To-morrow, I think. You might have the carriage meet the afternoon express. Now I must fly."
Jean caught up the valise, and carried it downstairs, while her sister went to say good-by to Mrs. Dennis.
The carriage was already at the door when Helen came out on the veranda. She stopped a moment to kiss the boys and charge them to be good, and caught Gladys up in her arms.
"Do you want to go to the station with sister?"