Only a few days more before she must leave
Tilton.

Clematis put her elbows on the window sill, and rested her chin in
her hands.

The sun was setting behind the maple tree. The golden rays gleamed
in the white mist that had risen from the river, for it was a cold
evening.

In the distance the Belmont mountains were a deep, misty blue, and
the clouds above them all white and gold.

Now all the valley was filling with a golden mist. The birds were
singing in the trees along the banks of the river. They filled the
evening air with joyous songs.

"Only a few days more. Only a few days more."

Soon she must go back to the brick walls, and the yard with the high
fence around it.

When Mr. Alder came to call Clematis for supper, her eyes were red,
and her cheeks pale.

"Never mind, dear little girl," he said. "We'll keep Deborah shut
up. I guess we can spare the chickens. We have plenty more."

She said nothing, but went silently in for the evening meal. She had
forgotten all about the chickens. All through supper the words ran
in her head, and the last thing in her mind as she fell asleep was
this thought:

"Only a few days more."

CHAPTER XVII

WHERE IS CLEMATIS?

On Monday Clematis found a big, blue envelope, with the other mail.

"I guess you have a letter for your own self this time," said Mr.
Morse, as he handed her the mail.

Clematis did not stop to look at the little fishes by the shore. She
hurried straight home.

It was a letter for her own self. Miss Rose sent it to her.

"Oh, I wish I had learned to read. Please read mine first, Mrs.
Alder?"

"Do you think that is polite?" asked Mrs. Alder.

"No'm, but you get lots of letters."

"That is true. Well, let us see."

She opened the envelope, while Clematis got close to her side.

"Dear little Clematis:

I hope you are well, and having a good time. I am sure you
must be having a splendid time, for Tilton is a lovely place.
I wish I were with you.

What a naughty girl you were to take Deborah, when she was not
invited. I hope Mrs. Alder has forgiven you.

I am going to ask Mrs. Alder to send you home on the afternoon
train Saturday, so you will be all ready when school begins.

I shall be at the train to meet you. Don't forget Deborah.

Your true friend,
Rose Thornton."

"That is a good letter for a little girl to get