In a few minutes the boy returned to the waiting children. The mixture he had given poor Jenny had certainly revived her.
"You were right, little missie," he said. "The monkey was homesick as could be. She's chirpin' up wonderful now she's amongst us all again. We shall soon have her a-singing of 'Home, sweet Home.'"
As soon as the children had taken their departure, Bill gave his father a knowing wink.
"Bless yer," said he, "that there monkey 'll be as right as a trivet in a day or two. Homesick! He! He! It's the best joke I've heard for many a long day!"
The return journey did not seem nearly so wearisome to the two children, although Marcia's heart was heavy within her for the loss of her little pet. They made their way first to Farley station, in hopes of catching a train. This, they were fortunate enough to do.
A terrible shock, however, awaited the two little girls shortly after arriving at Berryland. In turning a corner of the road which led to the Hall, they discovered that Rose Cottage was in flames!
Ella's heart seemed to stand still within her for very terror. She remembered as in a flash, that Molly had left some clothes to air around the fire, and had bidden her keep guard. These, no doubt, thought the unhappy little girl, had caught fire, owing to her want of attention, and the flames, not being stayed in any way, had spread until the cottage was hopelessly involved.
Alas! What Ella imagined had come to pass.
The children then ran as fast as their legs could carry them towards the scene, where a large crowd had already assembled. The fire engine, too, was at work, but the flames had too great a hold for it to be of any real use. As soon as Ella approached the spot, she was espied by Molly, who, with a white, frightened face, was watching near.
"Oh, Miss Ella," cried the girl, "thank goodness you're safe and sound! Your Grannie's half wild about you. She thinks as how you're all burnt up to a cinder in the fire."