"Aunt Sarah Easler," she said to herself, "and coming here, too."
The old lady came in without knocking and Maude rose to meet her. Aunt Sarah seemed much agitated. She took both of the girl's hands in hers, tears streaming from her eyes.
"What is it, Aunt Sarah?" cried Maude. "Has anything happened?"
"My poor child! My poor child! May God help you!"
Maude felt herself growing faint, but she resolutely banished the feeling.
"What has happened?" she asked, in a voice so calm that it astonished herself. "The children?"
"The children are all right, my dear. It is your father."
"My father! What of him? Is he hurt?"
