Page:Margaret Sherwood--A Puritan in Bohemia.djvu/38

30 A little girl in a calico gown and broken straw hat appeared.

"Why, Annabel!" exclaimed Miss Bradford.

"I beg your pardon, ma'am," said Annabel, with utmost politeness, to the mistress of the studio. "You said 'Come,' didn't you? My mamma wanted me to ask you if you have any laundry. The janitress recommended you."

"How are your little sisters, Annabel?" asked Anne.

"Pretty well, thank you. They've almost got to Greenland."

Annabel still panted from rapid walking.

"I thought they were going to Japan."

A troubled look came into the child's face. She touched Miss Bradford's arm affectionately; then her eyes brightened in triumph.

"They're going to Greenland first, and Japan afterward. I've travelled a good deal in my day, too," said Annabel, looking up guilelessly into Miss Wistar's face. "It runs in the family. I went with my