Priscilla’s disappearance. Although it had been a great relief to have René sleep through the first excitement, now it was a distinct pleasure to hear his voice from upstairs and be able to run up and see what he wanted. At least it provided something to do. “I’m coming,” called Desiré, stopping in her room to get a lamp. “Don’t want you,” replied René rudely, as she entered. “Want Prissy. She was going to catch the mouse,” he added. “The mouse,” repeated his sister in bewilderment, feeling his head to see if he were feverish. “Yes,” said the little boy, jerking fretfully away from her and pointing to the corner behind the bed. There lay Priscilla, curled up on the floor, fast asleep, with Polly, the big grey house cat, clasped tightly in her arms. The animal blinked at the light and uttered a loud “Me-o-w!” Desiré, together with Jack who had by that time followed her, stood speechless, looking down at the sleeping child. “I want to know if she caught that mouse,” demanded René in positive tones. At that moment Priscilla, aroused by the sound of voices, opened her eyes, a bit bewildered by the sudden awakening. She looked blankly from one to another, her gaze finally centering on Jack’s face. “I didn’t disobey you,” she said. “René called me because he was frightened of a mouse. You said I might leave the room if he wanted anything.” “But what are you doing down here on the floor, darling?” asked Desiré softly; for Jack could not speak. “I got Polly and sat down here by the mouse’s hole so’s she could catch him when he came out again; and we all kept so quiet I guess we went to sleep.” Jack picked the little girl up, carried her to the room across the hall, and held her close for a moment before laying her on the bed. “Both of you get to sleep as soon as you can,” he directed. “I’ll go down and tell the family she’s found.” “Is Jack angry at me?” inquired Priscilla, sleepily. “Not a bit, dear. We thought you were lost. Everybody has been looking all over for you, out in the barn, in the woods, and—”
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