If she had
any secret thoughts concerning him they were driven from her mind by
the receipt of a telegram just as they sat down to dinner.
"REDFORD, MASS., July 2, 187--.
"MAUDE SAWYER, Care of Q. A. Sawyer,
"Fernborough, via Cottonton.
"Do please come home at once. Something terrible
has happened. FLORENCE."
"What can it be? What do you think is the matter? The message is so
inexplicit."
Her brother replied, "Florence evidently is living, unless some one
used her name in the telegram. If father or mother were sick or dead
she certainly would have said so."
"Perhaps not," said Maude. "She might wish to break the news gently,
in person."
"I am willing to wager," said Quincy, "that the trouble affects her
more than any one else. But you must go, Maude, and Alice and I will
go with you, by the first train to-morrow morning."
Quincy had Andrew get the carryall ready and he and Alice went round
to say good-bye. He told Arthur Scates he would come or send for him
soon, and that his grandmother could go and help Mrs. Pettingill.
Andrew was told to return the saddle to Cottonton, and Quincy decided
that they would go to Boston by way of Eastborough Centre, so Mr.
Parsons could be informed that they were through with the saddle
horses. They found Uncle Ike fully committed to the idea of founding
the hospital. He had seen Squire Rundlett, who was drawing up his
will.
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