And that was all that happened, till—
“You must be getting up, my dear; to-day you are going to the sea, remember,” sounded first by one little bedside and then by the other.
“Were we very late of coming in last night?” asked the children at breakfast.
“Not so very, I don’t think,” nurse replied. “But you see I can’t tell exactly, as I found you both undressed and in bed fast asleep when I came up from my supper. You did give me a surprise.”
Rafe and Alix looked at each other and smiled. Nurse thought it was only that they were pleased at the trick they had played her.
The seaside visit was delightful. But before it came to an end a very unexpected thing happened. The children’s father, who was a very clever man, was chosen for an important post out of England. It all came about in a great hurry, and Rafe and Alix have never since returned to the country house where, for most of the years of their life, they had been so happy. And all this time their home has been a long way off.
They often speak of Ladywood, and declare that when they come back to England they must go there and try to find the old caretaker again. But I almost hope they will not do so; for, I am sorry to say, Ladywood has been bought and all changed. A new house has been built at last on the site of the old one, and the foundations all opened out. I feel sure Mrs Caretaker is no longer there.
Still, there is no saying but that Rafe and Alix may come across her again some day and some where.
The End.