A knock at the door brought Mrs.Bellmont, and Mag asked if she would be willing to let that child stop there while she went to the Reed's house to wash, and when she came back she would call and get her.
It seemed a novel request, but she consented.

Why the impetuous child entered the house, we cannot tell; the door closed, and Mag hastily departed.

Frado waited for the close of day, which was to bring back her mother.

Alas! it never came.

It was the last time she ever saw or heard of her mother..