IV - THE BIG SYCAMORE TREE––––––––
AT the south door the Appleby car stood waiting.
Genevieve was saying good-bye to Maida, with the affection of an old friend.
“We’re coming back, you know,” she reminded, “in two or three days, and please say you’ll be glad to see me!”
“Of course,” Maida assented, but her lip trembled and her eyes showed signs of ready tears.
“Cheer up,” Genevieve babbled on. “I’m your friend—whatever comes with time!”
“So am I,” put in Curtis Keefe. “Good-bye for a few days, Miss Wheeler.”
How Maida did it, she scarcely knew herself, but she forced a smile, and even when Samuel Appleby gave her a warning glance at parting she bravely responded to his farewell words, and even gaily waved her hand as the car rolled down the drive.
Once out of earshot, Appleby broke
