And she did not. And now on the October day we are writing of, as she walked up and down she was thanking God for the blessing of possessing the love of her little sister.
Presently nurse came to take the child; and Prissy resumed her book, and became so engrossed in it that she forgot everything around her—how time was passing, where she was, and even the fact of little Claude's existence. At last a voice roused her:
"Priscilla, are you never coming in to luncheon? And where is Claude? Nurse is vexed he has remained so long out of doors. He should have been ready for his dinner now."
The speaker was Miss Vernon, and Prissy sprang to her feet in dismay.
"Oh, I am sorry, Miss Vernon," she said; "but I never thought it was so late.—Claude! Claude!" she called, running down the garden path. "Where are you, child?"
But no reply came, and both she and Miss Vernon sought in every corner of the garden in vain; no Claude was to be found.
Could he have gone into the house? No. Nurse left baby and joined in the search; but the child was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly Priscilla observed that a back gate which was seldom used, and which led from the garden to the common, was open, and she at once suggested that Claude might have slipped through and got out on the common. True, the children were forbidden to go there alone; but Claude was young, and might have forgotten that.
The common was searched in all directions, but with no success; and with an unspeakable pang of agony, Prissy remembered that not far-off there was a deep pond. She feared to speak of it. Oh, if only Austin were home; if only she could keep her father from knowing. Surely in a little, the child would be found; he could not have wandered far. Poor little Claude! How could she, oh, how could she have neglected him so? And why did Harry Lascelles' words about the work which angels might envy come into her memory now?
Just then, to Miss Vernon's great relief and to Prissy's dismay, Dr. Warner entered the garden and demanded what was the matter.
"Claude amissing? What do you mean?" he said. "Who had charge of him?"