Mr.Breynton held a paper in his hand.

Gypsy was looking over his shoulder, and her face was very pale.
"What is it?
What's the matter ?" Nobody answered.
Mr.Breynton turned away his face.

Gypsy broke out crying.
"Why, what _is_ the matter ?" said Joy, looking alarmed.
"Joy, my poor child--" began her uncle.

But Gypsy sprang forward suddenly, and threw her arms around Joy's neck.
"Oh, Joy, Joy,--your father!" "Let me see that paper!" Joy caught it before they could stop her, opened it, read it,--dropped it slowly.

It was a telegram from Yorkbury:-- "_Boston papers say Joy's father died in France two weeks ago._".