Mrs. Gray did not wait for any thing more, but went at once with the children to Mrs. Abbott's.
There all three of the little girls talked so fast that Aunt Jane could hardly understand them.
"The money was in one of the boxes," said Ninny.
"Mr. Potter gave it to Ninny," said Lucy.
"And a stick of candy, too," cried Flaxie.
"And now Mr. Potter thinks we stole the money. He thinks so in his heart," wailed Ninny. "Mr. Potter, that always liked us, and was going to take Lucy in his carriage to New York to see a vase he thought would be pretty for Rose."
In the midst of this talk, there was a quick, decided ring at the door-bell; and, next moment, Mrs. Prim walked in.
"I wish you'd tell me what this means," said Mrs. Abbott, so bewildered that she forgot to say, "How do you do?"
"Ask your little daughter what it means," replied Mrs. Prim, throwing her head back. She was a very straight, tall woman; and, when she did throw her head back, you felt a little afraid of her.