NineteenA knock sounded on Rose’s door.
She quickly finished tying her wrapper as her father came into the room. He didn’t look as if he had slept much the previous night, but there was an odd light in his eyes nonetheless.
“Ah, you all here? Good.”
“Good morning, Papa,” the three girls said in unison.
He gave them a smile. “Good morning, my three graces.” He patted Rose on the cheek. “I have to go out of town for a few days, Rosebud. You will please look after your sisters?”
“Where are you going?” Thalia asked.
“I always look after them, Papa,” Rose said.
“Eh? Oh, I’ve got to go to Pemberton. Ran into our old neighbor Squire Thompson last night at Whites. He told me an interesting bit of news.”
He smiled distractedly. “Aunt Farmington will be here, of course. I don’t know when I’l
