"
"Yes," said Miss Fosbrook; "but I believe, in cases like this, there
is often great fear, and then very speedy improvement."
"Oh dear," said Bessie, speaking for the first time, "I know it will
be. Little girls in story-books always do have their mammas--die!"
"Story-books are all nonsense, so it won't happen," said Sam; and
really it seemed as if the habit of contradicting Bessie had
suggested to him the greatest consolation that had yet occurred.
Just then Henry and the younger ones came in, and learnt the tidings.
Henry wept as bitterly as his elder sister, and John and Annie both
did the same; but David did not speak one word, as if he hardly took
in what was the matter, and, going to the window, took up his lesson-
books as usual.
"It is nine o'clock, Hal," said Sam presently.
"Oh, we can't go to Mr. Carey to-day," said Hal.
"Yes, we shall," returned Sam.
"Oh don't," cried Susan. "Suppose a telegraph should come!"
"Well, then you can send for me," said Sam. "Come, Hal."
"How can you, Sam?" said Henry crossly; "I know Mr. Carey will give
us leave when he knows.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163