I never knew anything so awful." Francis stared at her pityingly.

"Why, you poor little girl, are you as homesick as that ?" he said.
Lois only sobbed in answer.
"Look here!" said Francis--he leaned over her, and his voice sank to a whisper--"it's none of my business, but I think you'd better tell me; it won't go any further--isn't your aunt good to you?
Doesn't she treat you well ?" Lois shook her head vaguely.

"I can't go back anyway," she moaned.
"Ida's got my school.

I haven't got anything to do there.

Don't you think I can get a school here ?" "I am afraid you can't," said Francis.