"Why, it is from Miss Lyons, Aunt Mary's companion!" she exclaimed, looking at the signature.
"You are frowning, Aunt Zélie," remarked Carl.
"Don't keep us in suspense, Zélie. Is there anything wrong?" asked her cousin.
"Nothing really serious. Aunt Mary fell and broke her ankle, and will have to stay in bed for several weeks; but the trouble is Miss Lyons's brother is very ill and she has to go to him."
"So that is it? And she wants some one to take her place for a while, I suppose. I'd go in a minute if Father and Mother were not away."
"Of course you could not go, Helen. I am the one. Frank will be at home, and Sukey is here to take care of the children. I wish I had had this sooner; I must telegraph to Miss Lyons that I will take the nine o'clock train to-morrow."
While she was speaking the children were silent from astonishment, but a wail arose presently.
"Why can't Aunt Mary take care of herself?"
"What shall we do without you?"
"Don't go, please don't go!"