"What is the matter, Nell, darling?" exclaimed Molly, struck by the expression on her little sisters face.
"Molly, Molly," exclaimed Nell, with a sort of gasp in her voice.
"What is it, Nell, dear? Do speak; they're all waiting for me and I must go."
"Oh, must you go? Do stay, do stay; I have something very important to say; its a message."
"A message!" exclaimed Molly; anxiety stealing quickly into her voice; "is it anything about—about father and mother?"
"Yes, yes; and nobody else is to know; you will stay?"
"Yes, I'll stay. Wait there a minute, and I'll be back with you."
Molly ran up to Hester, who was waiting for her in the entrance hall.
"Good-bye, Hetty," she said, kissing her; "I'm not going back with you."
"What in the world do you mean, Molly?" exclaimed Hester. "You know you have promised to stay with us for another day or two, and I want you to know more of Mrs. Willis, and—why, what's the matter, dear?"