"No, no, indeed we wouldn't! Poor dear little thing! we're very sorry for her," the children cried in chorus.
"Mother, mayn't Elsie come here and be your little girl 'long with us?" asked Annis.
"I should gladly take her, darling, if I could," Mrs. Keith answered; "but she belongs to her father, and it is he who directs where she shall live."
"Tell us some more, Milly; tell about that beautiful Viamede," entreated Ada, putting an arm coaxingly round her sister's neck.
"Some other time; but now I must really go to work and finish my unpacking."
"No, you must go into another room and lie down for an hour or two," said her mother. "You need rest and sleep; and your sisters and I will set things to rights here."
Mildred objected. "Mother, dear, I have come home to ease your burdens, not to add to them."
"And which will you do by wearing yourself out and getting sick?" asked the mother, with a merry look and smile. "Set these younger ones a good example by prompt obedience to my direction. We want you bright for a good long talk after tea."
"But, mother, you always have so much to tax your time and strength, and—"