Their innocent host piloted straight to the dining-room a woman whom
Robert and Corinne knew directly. They had seen her in the show, and
recalled her appearance many a time afterwards when speculating about
Carrie's parents.
"Here you are!" she exclaimed to the child in a high key. "My poor
little pet! Come to mamma!"
CHAPTER XIX.
FAIRY CARRIE DEPARTS.
Neither William Sebastian, the Quaker landlord, nor his wife,
returning with the damson preserves in her hand--not even Grandma
Padgett and her family, looked at Fairy Carrie more anxiously than
the lawyer.
"Is this your mother, Sissy?" inquired Grandma Padgett.
"No," replied the child; A blank, stupid expression replacing her
excitement. "Yes. Mamma?"
The woman sat down and took Carrie upon her lap, twisting her curls
and caressing her.
"Where have you been, frightening us all to death!" she exclaimed.
"The child is sick; she must have some drugs to quiet her."
"She's just come out of a spasm," said Grandma Padgett distantly.
"Seems as if a young man scared her."
"Yes; that was Jarvey," said the woman. "'E found her here. Carrie
was always afraid of Jarvey after he-tried to teach her wire-walking,
and let her fall.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163