I can't think of anything but Don, poor
little mite. I hope they are kind to him."

"Oh, Sally, for pity's sake stop!" Phyllis spoke so sharply that the
girls turned to look at her: her eyes were still flashing but her lip
trembled.

"I can't bear it," she added more softly.

"Sorry," Sally said penitently, and they walked in silence until they
reached the house.

"Auntie Mogs, we're all very unhappy," Janet began as they stopped to
greet Miss Carter in the hall. "Little Donald Keith has been
kidnapped. Muriel Grey cried all through school, and Sally is not
coming back after Christmas."

It speaks well for Miss Carter's understanding of her two nieces that
she did not have to ask for a more concise statement but accepted
Janet's explanation in its entirety.

"How very sad," she said at once. "Poor Mr. Keith must be almost
frantic, and Mrs. Vincent too. I wish there was something I could do,
though I know them so slightly. Sally dear, your mother told me this
morning that you were not going back to school after the holidays and I
am so very sorry. The girls will be desolate without you. How do you
do, Daphne. I am very glad you came home with the girls. I like to
see you four together. Go into the dining-room and have some luncheon
right away," she directed. "Perhaps that will make you feel better.
What are you going to do this afternoon?"

"Nothing special," Janet replied.

"Then I will ask a favor of you all,"--she followed them to the
dining-room and took her place at the head of the table.

"We'll grant it before we hear it,"--Daphne's drawl sounded very soft
and musical.

"Of course," Sally agreed.

"What is it, Auntie Mogs?" Janet inquired.

Miss Carter smiled delightedly.

"That's very sweet of you, but wait until you hear what it is I want
you to do. This afternoon my class from the settlement is coming here
for tea after I have taken them to the Art Museum. There are ten of
them; all girls about your own age. I intended to give them chocolate
and cake, as it is so cold to-day, and Annie was going to serve it, but
this morning a telegram came saying her sister is very ill, so Annie is
leaving on the three o'clock train for Buffalo and that leaves only
Lucy. Will you do the waiting and serving for me?"

"Why, of course, we'd love to," they all answered together.

"I can make delicious hot chocolate," Sally announced, "so I might stay
in the kitchen and help Lucy."

"And have