Page:Ned Wilding's Disappearance.djvu/123

Rh your coming to New York, that couldn't be helped. Of course it's too bad. But you can pay me another visit."

Ned thought she meant he must hurry away to escape arrest.

"Are you almost packed up, Mrs. Kenfield?" asked Mary.

"Yes, almost. I shall want a little help. I must go at once."

"Why—what—are you—I don't understand—" began Ned.

"Of course, just like women, to begin at the wrong end," said Mrs. Kenfield, and Ned's heart beat fast. He wondered if his aunt was going to reproach him for bringing disgrace on the family. He thought she would have to flee the city too, in order to avoid arrest. How he wished his uncle was at home to advise and help them.

"Do you have to go, aunt?" he asked. "Can't I let 'em take me? I don't mind."

"No, it's very good of you to offer, Ned. But I must go. They need me to help nurse her."

"Help nurse," repeated Ned, wondering if he had heard aright.

"Yes, didn't Mary tell you? We have just received a telegram from my niece Jane Alden in Chicago. She has typhoid fever and I must go