Meantime a little tragi-comedy was being acted in the back parlor. Anna was white and trembling, while Aunt Margret was looking wondrous wise and subtle.
"Thora?" gasped Anna. "Have you seen anything of Thora?"
"Have I seen anything of Thora? You must be dreaming, Anna dear."
"Then she has gone, and I was right after all," said Anna.
"Can it be possible?" said Aunt Margret.
"Magnus would have it that she had gone to see the baby, but she has gone farther than that, poor child, and we shall never see her again."
"What a pity!" said Aunt Margret, and then Anna flew out at her.
"Margret Neilsen, don't you understand what I am saying? The poor child was demented, and she stole out while I was asleep and goodness knows what she has done with herself."
"Hush! Hold your tongue, Anna, and come into this room and I'll tell you something. Magnus was right after all."
"Then she has been here?"