"Oh—Oh!" gasped Bunny.
"I might a'knowed suthin' like that would happen," complained Bunker.
"Now her ma'll blame me!"
Aunt Lu saw what had happened, and, before any one else could reach Sue, she had picked up the little girl, in whose eyes were tears all ready to fall. And with her handkerchief Aunt Lu wiped the tears away. As she did this Bunny saw a ring on his aunt's hand—a ring with a stone that sparkled like snow in the sun—red, green, golden and purple colors.
"There, Sue! Don't cry!" murmured Aunt Lu. "You're not hurt, and the mud will wash off."
"Oh, I—I'm not crying for that," said Sue, bravely keeping back her sobs. "I—I'm crying just—just because I'm—I'm so glad to see you!"
CHAPTER II
THE LOST RING
Aunt Lu laughed when she heard Sue say that. And it was such a nice, kind, jolly laugh that Sue could not help joining in. So she was really laughing and crying at the same time, which is funny, I suppose you think.
"Well, I'm glad you are so happy to see me, dear," said Aunt Lu. "Oh, don't mind about your dress," she went on, as she saw Sue trying to rub away some of the muddy spots with her tiny handkerchief. "Your mother will know you couldn't help it."
"I'll tell her it wasn't Sue's fault," cried Bunny. "The railroad oughtn't to have puddles where people will fall into 'em!"