This was of much interest to the Royals, and
they sat at the table later than usual discussing the whole matter.
"I have important news for you this evening, Rodney," Parson Dan after
a while informed him. "I had a letter from your mother to-day, and she
says that she hopes to pay us a visit sometime this summer."
"Oh!" It was all that the boy could say, but several anxious thoughts
surged through his mind. Was his mother coming to take him away? he
wondered. He did not wish to go, as all of his interests were centred
in Hillcrest.
Mr. and Mrs. Royal, too, looked grave. They had thought of the same
idea. Would Rod's mother ask them to give up the boy? How could they
part with him? they asked themselves.
"When is she coming, grandad?" Rod at last asked.
"She doesn't say, so we may expect her at almost anytime."
"I don't want to see her," the boy cried, while tears started in his
eyes.
"Don't want to see your mother, Rodney!" the clergyman exclaimed in
surprise.
"Yes, in a way I want to see her," was the faltering reply. "But if
she wants to take me away, I don't want her to come. Oh, don't let her
take me, grandad," and Rod sprang to his feet, and stood beseechingly
before the parson.
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