Part 2 (1/2)

”What do you mean, Eustace?” she demanded

He did not speak, so she put her hand on his shoulder and gave hi about?” she asked

”Mother,” Eustace said quite shortly

”Yes, I know,” Nesta said; ”but what about her?”

”Father's going away,” Eustace said

”Of course,” Nesta said, rather scornfully; ”you told me that before And I know mother will be dreadfully dull without hi the tips of his toes iirl

”Worse than dull,” Eustace responded soberly

”But we can do our best to cheer her up till he comes back”

Eustace turned slowly round until he was staring right into Nesta's eyes, and his look was so queer that she was startled

”Do you mean to say you don't understand?” he said solemnly

”No, I certainly don't,” Nesta replied

Eustace wheeled quickly back to the railing, gazing seaward again

”Then I' to tell you,” he said decidedly

Nesta stood blankly wondering for a an; then suddenly her expression changed ”Eustace,” she exclai his arhtened?”

”I' obstinacy

But Nesta's face was full of certainty

”It _is_ that!” she said with conviction ”You think she will be scared at being left”

Now Eustace had suddenly begun to repent of having said so hten Nesta; he had honestly believed that she must have noticed what he did in their mother's tone and look, but now he realized Nesta had not understood He stood silent, regretting his carelessness

”O Eustace,” Nesta cried, ”of course it is that How dreadful! I rehtened, and that is why he offered to have Farley or Robertson up”

There was terror in Nesta's voice now, and Eustace rounded sharply upon her

”I say, shut up!” he said, with a glance towards Peter, as too engrossed with his train at the other side of the veranda to be listening ”You don't want to frighten the kids, do you? Besides, father said we should be all right, and he knows”

”Butunconvinced