"The carriage is driving up," said Vi, glancing through the window; "probably mamma is in it," and all four hurried down to the front veranda eager to meet and welcome her.
Their old grandfather alighted, handed out Grandma Rose, Aunt Enna, Isa, and then, with the help of one of the servant men, Molly.
The carriage door closed. Mamma was not there. Indeed their grandma and Isa were asking for her as they came up the steps.
And childish voices were now heard in their rear making the same inquiry—Rosie and Walter coming from the nursery in search of the mother they never willingly lost sight of for an hour.
"Why, what can have become of mamma? Rosie, when did you see her last?" asked Harold.
"Out on the lawn. She was walking with us, and grandpa came and took her away."
"Where to?"
"I don't know," answered the child, bursting into tears.
"There, there, don't cry; dear mamma's sure to be safe along with grandpa," Harold said, putting his arms around his little sister. "And here he comes to tell us about her," he added joyously, as Mr. Dinsmore was seen coming down the hall.
They crowded about him, the same question on every tongue.