CHAPTER XIX
A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT
BARBARA had slipped on a kimono and was starting for the door.
"Aren't you going to kiss me good morning?" pouted Mollie.
Bab ran back, throwing her arms about Mollie, giving her sister a quick embrace and kiss; then she hurried from the room, going straight to Ruth's bedroom. To her surprise, she found Ruth Stuart fully dressed. The girl was sitting before a window staring out at the whitened fields.
"Oh, Ruth, I'm so glad I found you awake. Do you know whether your father is up yet?"
"Yes. Why, dear?"
"I must see him at once. I have important information for him. You will excuse me, won't you, if I run down to see him? Is he downstairs?"
Ruth shook her head sorrowfully. There was no laughter in her eyes this morning. She seemed very different from the bright, carefree Ruth of old.
"Father is not here, Bab."