“Yes, let her go,” said Uncle Ben.
There wasn’t much time to discuss the matter, and Flaxie was so eager that it seemed a pity to disappoint her; so she went.
“Homesick?” Why, she shouldn’t be homesick! The truth was, she didn’t know what the word meant.
When they reached Hilltop, Milly was gone. Aunt Charlotte was looking for Uncle Ben, but when he alighted from the carriage there was a glimmer of blue and gold, and Flaxie Frizzle appeared, borne aloft in his arms. Aunt Charlotte ran to the door very much surprised.
“Why, you darling,” said she, greeting her with kisses, “we didn’t expect you just now.”
“I know it,” returned the little guest triumphantly; “we wanted to surprise you. I knew Milly wasn’t here, but I thought I’d come to see the rest of the folks.”
Johnny and Freddy smiled at this very pleasantly; and little Ken, the very small baby, cooed and sucked his thumb.
“I don’t care a speck if Milly is gone. I’ve brought a new dolly to show you,” cried Flaxie, whirling Aunt Charlotte’s head around as if it had been a revolving globe, and kissing her under the left ear.
“And oh, Uncle Ben and I had such a nice time on the cars! We had bread with egg between, and bread with chicken between, and candy and pinnuts. ’Twas splendid!”
“Well, we’ll have nice times here,” returned Aunt Charlotte; but her tone was doubtful. She knew how suddenly Flaxie sometimes changed from one mood to another; and what could she do with such a wayward little guest, when Milly was gone?