"What a tragedy it might have been!" cried Mrs. Morley. "That poor helpless Emma Harrison alone in her room, unable to save herself!"
"It was lucky for her that our Jo happened along," said Mr. Morley, smiling.
"And Nan Harrison and Sadie Appleby!" Jo retorted. "They had as much to do with the rescue as I, remember!"
Mr. Morley knew better than to argue with Jo's obstinate conviction, but he shook his head and smiled to himself as if to say that he had his own ideas on that subject!
It was only after dinner was over and the dishes cleared away that Mr. Morley's deep depression returned.
When Mrs. Morley went upstairs to get some mending, Jo wandered into the library and saw her father seated in his favorite easy chair, the very picture of discouragement.
In the doorway Jo hesitated, then went swiftly forward and seated herself on the arm of her father's chair.
She ran her fingers through his graying, curly hair, a caressing habit that had been hers since she was a very small child.
Mr. Morley looked up at her sadly.
"Such a good girl, Josie," he said, "deserves the best of everything."