Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/61

 "I hope the same," said Mr. Stone. "Good morning."

"Mother," cried Hattie, earnestly, as soon as the door had closed on the retiring gentleman, "why did you not send thanks to Mrs. Nesmith for the nice jelly which Biddy brought from her yesterday. I really believe that it has helped my throat more than all the doctor's medicine?"

"I thought of it, child, but didn't know as he would wish to mention his visit to Mrs. Nesmith, just now, as it might lead her to make inquiries which he would not find quite easy to answer at present. If possible to avoid it, they do not wish to let the sick mother know of her child's absence."

"Nattie must have been pretty angry to run away and stay all night," said Hattie; "and I don't believe she will come back very soon. She is strange, and scarely a bit like any other little girl that I know."