Mrs. Ross had some shopping to do, but would first take the two Elsies to her dentist, so that the little girl’s trial might be over as soon as possible and she able to enjoy some sight-seeing afterward.  Baby Lily was better and could be safely entrusted for the day to Aunt Chloe’s faithful care.

The plan was concealed from the Ross children because, as their mother said, “it was the only way to have any peace.”  So they were allowed to sleep until the travelers had taken an early breakfast and gone.

The little Travillas, however, were up and saw the departure, bidding a cheerful good-bye to “mamma and sister Elsie,” sending wistful, longing looks after the carriage as it rolled away, but making no complaint that they were left behind.

“Poor dear Elsie!” Vi said with tears in her eyes, “it’s just dreadful that she must have that tooth extricated.”

“Extracted,” corrected Eddie.  “Vi, you seem to forget what mamma says:—­that you should never use a big word unless you are sure you have it right; or when a little one would do as well.”

“What little one?”

“Pulled.”

“Couldn’t it be pulled and not come out?”

“Well then you might say pulled out.”

“I like the other word best,” persisted Vi.  “But we needn’t be particular about words when Elsie’s going to be so dreadfully hurt.”

Herbert burst out crying at that.

“Why Herbie what ails you?” asked Vi, putting her arms round his neck and giving him a kiss.

“I don’t want the mans to hurt my Elsie,” sobbed the little fellow, “maybe dey’ll kill her.”

“Oh, no, they won’t! mamma will never let them do that.  They’ll only take away the naughty tooth that hurts her so.”

“Come let’s go and walk round the garden,” said Eddie, taking Herbie’s hand, “mamma said we might.”

The breakfast bell called them in to find the Rosses making a perfect bedlam in their anger and disappointment at being left behind by their parents.  Sophie was screaming and stamping with rage, the boys and Kate were whimpering and scolding, and Gertrude walking about with flashing eyes, was saying “I’ll never forgive mamma for this, no I never will; for she’d promised to take me along next time she went to the city.”

Violet, Eddie, and Harold hearing these words, looked at each other in horrified silence.  “How could she speak so of her own mother?”

Miss Fisk came in, in her quiet, deliberate way and stood looking for a moment from one to another of her pupils in a sort of amazed, reproving silence that presently had the effect of quieting them down a little.  Then she spoke.

“Young ladies and young gentlemen, I am astonished! especially at your expressions and behavior, Miss Gertrude Ross.  How you can permit yourself to indulge in such invectives against parents so extremely indulgent as Mr. and Mrs. Ross, I cannot conceive.”