“Mercy me!” she exclaimed, in dismay. “It is getting late, my dears, and I must get to the farm and back before nightfall. I hope you’ll pardon me, but it takes me such a long, long time.” She sighed again and patiently reached for her shawl. When she tottered and grasped the edge of a table for support, the girls realized how really weak and feeble she was.
“I do believe,” was Betty’s shocked thought, “that she’s actually hungry.”
Aloud she said, with the special, irresistible manner that she reserved for very old people.
“You’re going to stay just where you are! I’ll run and get what you need.”
CHAPTER XVIII
A FEAST FOR A KING
Before the little old lady found breath for reply Betty had darted from the room. After a surprised moment, Amy followed her.
Grace and Mollie, following Betty’s unexpressed wish, stayed with the old lady.
Half way down the hill Amy caught up to Betty.
“Where to?” she asked, panting. “And why the dreadful hurry?”