Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/15

 decision at once. The steamer starts this afternoon. If you sail by her there's no time to be lost. If you go, I will delay my own preparations to help you off."

For one moment more Mrs. Smith stood silent, pressing her hands to her throbbing temples, and gazing at Josephine as if she could not take her eyes from the sweet, childish face. Then she turned toward the kind doctor and said, quite calmly:

"Yes, Cousin Aleck, I will go."

He went away quickly, and mamma rang the bell for big Bridget, who came reluctantly, wiping her eyes on her apron. But her mistress was not crying now, and announced:

"Bridget, I am starting for Chili by this afternoon's steamer. Josephine is going to Baltimore by the six o'clock overland. There isn't a moment to waste. Please bring the empty trunks from the storeroom and pack them while I attend to other matters, though I will help you as I can. Put my clothes into the large trunk and Josephine's into the small one. There, there, good soul, don't begin to