'"
"The first of next week! That is so soon, Katharine; we can't let
you go." And Florence sat up in the hammock and stared at her
friend in bewilderment.
"It is very sudden," said Katharine slowly. "It doesn't seem as if
I could go. But isn't it strange? Papa must have decided, all at
once, to go to Alaska sooner than he planned, for this is such a
little bit of a warning. Let me see, this is Thursday, and we
can't get a letter before Monday. We must start on Tuesday. How I
do hate to go!" And Katharine choked down a sudden lump that had
risen in her throat. "Come in," she added. "I must tell auntie."
"No, I must go home," said Florence. "Oh, dear! Only four days
more, Katharine!"
"Don't cry, dear," said Katharine protectingly. "Remember it isn't
for always, for I shall come East often."
She stood and watched her guest until she was out of sight, then
ran into the house in search of her aunt, to whom she showed the
telegram. In spite of herself, Mrs. Hapgood was very uneasy over
the sudden summons to the girls. It certainly did seem strange
that the message should come from their mother; but for
Katharine's sake, her aunt hid her fears as best she could, and
only tried to make the girls' last days as pleasant as possible,
while she waited with a burning impatience for the letter which
should explain everything.
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