“I am very sorry I couldn’t go on writing from dictation, Ma,” sobbed Caddy. “I hope you forgive me now.”
“Oh, Caddy, Caddy!” said Mrs. Jellyby. “I have told you over and over again that I have engaged a boy, and there’s an end of it.”
“You are sure you are not the least angry with me, Ma? Say you are sure before I go away, Ma?”
“You foolish Caddy,” returned Mrs. Jellyby, “do I look angry, or have I inclination to be angry, or time to be angry? How can you?”
“Take a little care of Pa while I am gone, Mama!”
Mrs. Jellyby positively laughed at the fancy. “You romantic child,” said she, lightly patting Caddy’s back. “Go along. I am excellent friends with you. Now, goodbye, Caddy, and be very happy!”
Then Caddy hung upon her father and nursed his cheek against hers as if he were some poor dull child in pain.