Concerning Sally

nd then he looked out of the window at the great tree; at that particular spot in the great tree upon which his daughter had

ce? He could trust her. Perhaps, with a dim consciousness of that fact, and, perhaps, with a certain disappointment that she was to be trusted so implicitly,-she bore, in that respect, not the most remote re

m knock, but not loud, expressing a quiet determination. Professor Ladue see

alacrity which would not

s drawing-board a

lly, although she knew well enough that there was something behind it. She feared that it was anxiety behind it, and she feared the caus

like that very much, father, thank you. But I ca

mewhere about you? Possibly

"Charlie's ti

e! Does he sub

or; down by the

o you think it is quite for the safety of the pas

e returned, "if I'm not gone t

hat of his gayety. "State

what he had hoped. Sally stated her

to go to dancin

r your legs will carry you. I see no indications of your inability in

then, may I? Have you any ob

eserves more consideratio

s me to," Sally answered.

nd what, if I may ask, are your

se a lot of other children go. I could have a lot better time playing by myself. That is, I-of course, there's

ile of amusement; "so Margaret Savage is stupi

Sally said quietly. "I don'

ed imperceptibly. The change made it a sneer. It is astonishing to see how

cknowledged, "

ugh to give me the benefit o

irectness of her gaze any more than in her speech. "You

e. "A most observing child! A very observing child,

although with a rising color; "she d

eflectively. "So you came on y

no

ofessor Ladue drummed on the tabl

tting that it should not. Bearding the lion in his den is nothing to it. I am curious to know, Sally, whether you-" But there the professor stopped. He had been about to ask his daughter, aged ten,

iting for hi

-school and dance her feet off if she wants to. Never mind the price." He waved his hand again. "Never mind

"I think the price is

the air. "It doesn't matter. Poof! Te

ed, but she choke

she said gently. "M

and on his heart. "That

mportant thing about it,"

gain, without reply,

have been the cause-but I may be doing him an injustice. Very likely he was above such things as the tears of his wife and his daughter. It is quite possible that he wa

ith her presence when she has more leisure? When she has not Charlie on her mind?

father," S

ret that she spoke without enthusiasm.

e pleased,

e occurred to Sally, made her fac

ay I bring

s food for thought. Who is this Henrietta? It s

a Sanderson and Fox Sanderson is her brother. He c

Sande

at you weren't at home, he came over the wall. He

rofessor repeated thoughtfully. "It seems to me

many empty cigarette boxes, which he cast into the grate, and a handful of papers, which he dumped on the top of the desk, impatiently. He sorted

, does he? Now, Miss Ladue, can you give me any light upon t

ead. But her fath

that I'd help him. Very thoughtless of me, very thoughtless, indeed! It must have been after-well. And he will be here

y answered,

king at Sally, the slight smile on his lips

t have said it. I have a vague recollection of something of the

that that was too sweeping. "Tha

htly. Sally laughed, too, b

ldn't qualify it, Sally, could

y fl

, or any relative of his, will you convey to him my deep sense of pleasur

said Sal

concerned, the interview was closed. S

ring Henrietta? You haven't a

getting old and forgetful. Old and forgetful, Sally. It

suppose so. May I br

shortly. "What a persist

"I suppose you mean that you don't want me to bring Henrietta. Well,

ld not have deceived you or me. It did not deceive Sally. "Bring her." He waved his hand inclusively. "Bring Henrietta

e would not be interested," she said in a low vo

project in my direction, what voice you think it best to use, when you speak to me?

said that Margaret Savage wouldn't be interested," she repea

in his throat. Sally was on

!" he

t far enough to show prop

really be interested in-in

would. I'm sure she would." There was

be glad to have you both when you find l

her. Thank y

downstairs. He seemed pleased to hear the noise, which really was no

starch out of a woman grown. Professor Ladue had had much experience at taking the starch out of others. And Sally was not a woman grown, but a child of ten. Her powers of resistance had been equal to the task imposed, fortunately, but she found tha

makes mother feel. I know. Oh, mother,

er lower lip, and she dashed away the tears from her eyes as she ran toward the capti

I left hi

ng at the knot of the rope by which he

Aren't an alligator. I'm a little boy.

d. But Charlie, noticing something unusual in her voice, looked up into

now! Laugh, I tell you." She glanced over the wal