"
Stephen, wondering and somewhat alarmed, dressed with unusual
promptitude and obeyed. He found his sister standing by the library
window, a letter in her hand. She looked troubled and anxious.
"Well, Caro," observed the boy, "here I am. What in the world's up now?"
She turned.
"Oh, Steve!" she exclaimed, "he's gone!"
"Gone? Who?"
"Captain Warren. He's gone."
"Gone? Gone where? Caro, you don't mean he's--DEAD?"
"No, he's gone--gone and left us."
Her brother's expression changed to incredulous joy.
"What?" he shouted. "You mean he's quit? Cleared out? Left here for
good?"
"Yes."
"Hurrah! Excuse me while I gloat! Hurrah! We got it through his skull
at last! Is it possible? But--but hold on! Perhaps it's too good to be
true. Are you sure? How do you know?"
"He says so. See."
She handed him the letter. It was addressed to "My dear Caroline" and
in it Captain Elisha stated his intentions succinctly. After the plain
speaking of the previous evening he should not, of course, burden them
with his society any longer. He was leaving that morning, and, as soon
as he "located permanent moorings somewhere else" would notify his niece
and nephew of his whereabouts.
"For," he added, "as I told you, although I shall not impose my company
on you, I am your guardian same as ever.
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