“They didn’t want me. I am nothing but a child compared to Flora and Constance. But it isn’t that, Uncle Pete. I should not really greatly care if they came or not were it not for Nancy.”
“And what about Nancy?”
“Ah! I wish I could tell you, for I don’t think she likes them at all, but she is too good-natured to say a word against any one.”
“I wish you could find out what ails her,” said the Captain, with interest. “Does she admit that something does?”
“Yes—oh yes, poor darling; and she looked so sad when she just alluded to it! She is awfully patient, you know, and I think—— Nora, may I tell?”
“Of course you may,” said Nora. “Uncle Pete is like one of our very own selves.”
“Well, what Nora and I think is that Gussie worries her; that she has got a sort of hold over her. We can’t make it out, but we have thought it for some time.”
“I don’t see how that is possible,” said the Captain. “Perhaps there may be some other reason for Nancy’s unhappiness.”
“But what can there be?”
“How can I tell you?”