“See here, darling,” he said, “hadn't you better not go to school to-day? I will write a note of explanation myself to the principal, at the office, and mail it in New York. Hadn't you better turn around and go home and rest to-day?”
“Oh no,” replied Maria. “I would much rather go, papa.”
“You look as if you could hardly stand up, much less go to school.”
“I am all right,” said Maria; but as she spoke she realized that her knees fairly bent under her, and her heart beat loudly in her ears, for they had come in sight of the station.
“You are sure?” Harry said, anxiously.
“Yes, I am all right. I want to go to school.”
“Well, look out that you eat a good luncheon,” said Harry, as he kissed her good-bye.
Maria had to go to the other side to take her Wardway train. She left her father and went under the bridge and mounted the stairs. When she gained the platform, the first person whom she saw, with a grasp of vision which seemed to reach her very heart, although she apparently did not see him at all, was Wollaston Lee. He also saw her, and his boyish face paled. There were quite a number waiting for the train, which was late. Maud Page was among them. Maria at once went close to her. Maud asked about her little sister. She had heard that she was found, although it was almost inconceivable how the news had spread at such an early hour.
“I am real glad she's found,” said Maud. Then she stared curiously at Maria. “Say, was it so?” she asked.
“Was what true?” asked Maria, trembling.