“Then I shall be the happiest woman on the Hill-Top, and with a little girl of my own to love me.”
“And when Vanny-Boy comes back,” said Betsy, “we’ll be the very happiest family that ever was.”
CHAPTER XIV
VAN’S BANISHMENT
Pete.
IT was late September, with a blue haze on the hills, and a low sun, that made the red trees redder and the yellow trees yellower, just the kind of a day for a little dog to run abroad, wild and free and glad; a day that should have brought smiles to every one.
But no one smiled at the Johns’ breakfast table that morning. There was no trunk to pack, for Van wore all the clothes he had—just his pretty brown and white coat and his brass-studded collar. Betsy did, however, roll up his blanket, as if he were a soldier on the march, and it was to be taken along, in case he should be gone during cold weather.
Van capered and looked his gayest, when he was told that he was to go, for he dearly loved traveling, and to go with Dr. Johns would be the greatest fun ever. The good doctor himself had dropped his important work at the Hospital to see the sinful Prince safely established at college.
In spite of his chain, Van trotted and pranced, and almost dragged Dr. Johns off his feet in his eagerness, as they went down the hill to the trolley-station.
When the conductor had taken the fares, he came and sat down by Dr. Johns. Van bobbed up gleefully, as if he and the conductor were on the best of terms.