"Oh, Grandpapa, I didn't mean to!" said Phronsie, drawing back in dismay. "I do hope it hasn't hurt your coat."
"Never mind the coat, Phronsie," said Mr. King. "So you are glad to get us home, eh?"
Phronsie snuggled close to his side, while she clung to his hand without a word.
"Well, we mustn't forget Charlotte," cried Polly, darting back to a tall girl with light hair and very pale blue eyes, standing composedly in one corner of the hall, and watching the whole thing closely. "Mamsie, dear, here she is," taking her hand to draw her to Mrs. Fisher.
"Don't mind me," said Charlotte, perfectly at her ease. "You take care of the little girl," as Polly dragged her on.
Mrs. Fisher took a good long look at Charlotte Chatterton. Then she smiled, "I am glad to see you, Charlotte."
[Illustration: CHARLOTTE, STANDING COMPOSEDLY IN ONE CORNER OF THE
HALL.]
Charlotte took the firm fingers extended to her, and said, "Thank you," then turned off to look at Phronsie again.
And it wasn't till after dinner that Phronsie's trouble was touched upon. Then Polly drew her off to a quiet corner.
"Now, then, Phronsie," she said, gathering her up close in her arms, "tell me all about it, Pet. Just think," and Polly set warm kisses on the pale little cheek, "how long it is since you and I have had a good talk."