“I have had a letter from thy mother, Isabelle.”

She glanced at him suspiciously.

“What does she want?”

“She wants thee to go to a school in New York this winter.”

She stopped and faced him in alarm.

“To leave Hill Top?”

“I’m afraid so, little sister.”

“But I won’t! I won’t go away from here. I love it here, I love you and Mrs. Benjamin. Oh, why does Max always interfere with me? I hate her!” she cried, passionately.

Mr. Benjamin laid a steadying hand on her shoulder, and walked beside her.