I was getting very worried, almost frightened.

She had been gone ever since luncheon--dinner, I mean--and I had no idea where.

She's a pretty good little girl, generally speaking," drawing the child close and smiling down upon her, "but sometimes she is heedless and forgets.

Yesterday she forgot, didn't you, dear ?" Barbara shook her head.
"I didn't forget," she said.

"I mean I only forgot a little.
Petunia forgot almost EVERYTHING.