“Write often, and let me know all you do, my Phebe, and remember I shall never be contented till you come back again,” whispered Rose, clinging to her till the last.
“She will come back, for in a year I'm going to bring her home, please God,” said Archie, pale with the pain of parting but as resolute as she.
“I'll earn my welcome then perhaps it will be easier for them to give and me to receive it,” answered Phebe, with a backward glance at the group of caps in the hall as she went down the steps on Dr. Alec's arm.
“You earned it long ago, and it is always waiting for you while I am here. Remember that, and God bless you, my good girl,” he said, with a paternal kiss that warmed her heart.
“I never shall forget it!” And Phebe never did.
Chapter 9 NEW YEAR'S CALLS
“Now I'm going to turn over a new leaf, as I promised. I wonder what I shall find on the next page?” said Rose, coming down on New Year's morning with a serious face and a thick letter in her hand.
“Tired of frivolity, my dear?” asked her uncle, pausing in his walk up and down the hall to glance at her with a quick, bright look she liked to bring into his eyes.
“No, sir, and that's the sad part of it, but I've made up my mind to stop while I can because I'm sure it is not good for me. I've had some very sober thoughts lately, for since my Phebe went away I've had no heart for gaiety, so it is a good place to stop and make a fresh start,” answered Rose, taking his arm and walking on with him.