Page:The House Without Windows.djvu/131

 And one happy, happy day for Fleuriss, Eepersip led her safely home again.

"Good-bye, Fleuriss," she said. "I'm sorry you wouldn't stay with me."

"Yes, I know, Eepersip, but I just couldn't. Why don't you come homeyou've been away so long?and Mother cries for you still. Please come."

"Oh, Fleuriss, I couldn't. If I were to go back home now, I should just dieeven with you."

"Good-bye, then. Sometime I'm going to take Mother to see that beautiful hill."

"But not for a long time?"

"As soon as I can."

"Don't."

"Why?"

"You know. Please don't."

"Well, I'm not sure. I'm going topretty soon. Good-bye, EepersipAren't you ever coming home?"

"Oh, Fleuriss, no!"

"I wish you would."

"But I can't."

"Won't you let me take Mother and Daddy to live over there?"

"Well, after a whileif you want to. I shan't be there."