"And she never came down again?"
"No, for the boy went away to live not long after this, and everything was changed."
"And is the little girl still over the library mantel?"
"No, Wink, she was taken away long ago."
When the caller left, Frances came out of her hiding-place behind the curtains. "Are we going to stay here all winter?" she asked.
Mrs. Morrison drew her daughter down beside her on the couch where she sat. It was hard to believe such a small person the mother of this great girl. "You shall hear all about it, dearie, and then help us to decide," she said. "Father has had an offer from the Eastern Review. They want him to go to Hawaii, and besides paying him well it will be an advantage to him in other ways."
"But can't we go with you, father?"
"No, Wink, I am afraid not, for several reasons."
"Of course it will be hard for us all, but if it seems to be the best thing I am sure you and I will be brave and let him go;" Mrs. Morrison's voice trembled a little, and for a moment she hid her face on Frances' shoulder.
"Will you be gone very long?" asked the little girl.