"Yes. Her mother died in the summer; so she has no particular home
now, and is glad to come for a year and keep house for us. Mrs.
Knight says she is a good manager; and I dare say she'll fill your
place sufficiently well, as far as that goes. We can't expect her
to be _you_, you know: that would be unreasonable." And Dr. Carr
put his arm round Katy, and kissed her so fondly that she was quite
overcome and clung to him, crying,--

"O papa! don't make us go. I'll frisk, and be as young as I can, and
not grow middle-aged or any thing disagreeable, if only you'll let us
stay. Never mind what Cousin Olivia says; she doesn't know. Cousin
Helen wouldn't say so, I'm sure."

"On the contrary, Helen thinks well of the plan; only she wishes the
school were nearer," said Dr. Carr. "No, Katy, don't coax. My mind
is made up. It will do you and Clover both good, and once you are
settled at Hillsover, you'll be very happy, I hope."

When papa spoke in this decided tone, it was never any use to urge
him. Katy knew this, and ceased her pleadings. She went to find
Clover and tell her the news, and the two girls had a hearty cry
together. A sort of "clearing-up shower" it turned out to be; for
when once they had wiped their eyes, every thing looked brighter,
and they began to see a pleasant side to the plan.

"The travelling part of it will be very nice," pronounced Clover.
"We never went so far away from home before."

Elsie, who was still looking very woeful, burst into tears afresh at
this remark.