Drift Off To Maida's Little House (Chapter 21 - 23)

Welcome back,

Sleepy listeners,

To a relaxing evening here at Drift Off,

Where I whisk you away to the land of dreams with sleepy tales.

I'm your host Joanne,

And tonight we continue our journey with Meda,

As I read a few more chapters from Meda's Little House,

The second book from the beloved Meda series.

Now,

Let's take a moment together to unwind and settle into a state of relaxation.

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath in,

And exhale slowly.

Feel the tension melting away from your body as you prepare to drift off into a world of wonder and imagination.

My friend,

Just relax and listen as we continue our journey once more into Meda's world,

Where every corner holds a new adventure and every page is filled with the promise of friendship.

And so,

Go ahead and snuggle up under those cozy blankets and enjoy the story.

Chapter 21,

Tragedy Inside the house,

Everything was chaotic.

Delia,

Sensing the panic in the air,

Was crying loudly for her mother.

The other children,

Left unsupervised,

Were running around the house playing a wild game of tag mixed with hide-and-seek.

Their excited shouts echoed from upstairs.

Arthur was at the telephone,

Trying to get through to the operator.

Beside him,

Looking pale and worried,

Dickie held a pencil,

Ready to write down anything important.

From the dining room,

The noise of plates clattering could be heard as Harold and Laura tried to set the table.

When Arthur saw Meda and Rosie enter with their strange bundle,

He paused his phone call to ask,

Where did you get that baby?

Meda replied wearily,

But we need to act quickly.

I'm so tired.

Oh,

Dickie,

I feel so sorry for you.

Poor Mrs.

Doran,

Poor Granny.

But it was Rosie who took charge of the situation.

Rosie,

Who loved babies and knew exactly what to do from helping taking care of her little brother.

Arthur,

Tell Laura to get some milk from the icebox,

She instructed briskly.

Warm it up on the stove quickly,

And then bring it upstairs.

Meda,

You come with me.

Rosie led the way to the bathroom,

And Meda followed.

On the way,

Rosie told Meda to grab Mrs.

Doran's sewing board.

In the bathroom,

Rosie placed the sewing board across the tub,

Close to the sink,

And began to undress the baby.

The baby's clothes were few,

Loose,

Somewhat clean,

But tattered.

Soon,

The little one lay on soft towels Rosie had spread out,

Feebly kicking.

Taking off the clothes seemed to bring some relief,

And the baby's cries quieted down a bit.

Though a small sob escaped now and then.

Rosie filled the sink with warm water,

And gently,

Using the softest sponge she could find,

Began to bathe the baby.

The baby's cries stopped completely,

And she responded with a little soft coo.

Oh,

The little darling!

Don't you love her already,

Rosie?

Meda asked.

I love all babies,

Rosie replied matter-of-factly,

While washing the baby's hair.

She dried the baby carefully,

Gently patting her dry with the softest towel she could find.

Go to Mrs.

Doran's room and get Delia's powder,

Rosie directed.

When Meda returned,

Rosie sprinkled the baby with cool powder,

And the baby's eyelids began to droop.

See how sleepy she is,

Rosie said with satisfaction.

Ah,

Here comes Laura.

I hope she had the sense to put the milk in one of Delia's old bottles.

Laura had indeed done so,

And was proud of her foresight.

Rosie tested the milk on the back of her hand to make sure it wasn't too hot,

Then put the bottle's nipple into the baby's mouth.

The baby drank eagerly.

So much so,

That Rosie had to take the bottle away a few times to prevent her from choking.

The baby's tiny hands reached for the bottle,

And Rosie gave it back each time.

Meanwhile,

Meda and Laura exchanged questions about the baby.

After a long while,

The baby finished the bottle,

Her eyes growing heavier until they finally closed.

She was fast asleep.

I don't know what her feeding schedule is,

Rosie said thoughtfully.

I'll feed her again at four this afternoon.

Then I'll set the alarm to wake up at ten tonight for another feeding.

After that,

She can probably go until morning.

She seems so hungry now.

I've never seen a baby so famished.

Wake me up too,

Meda said almost possessively.

Remember,

She's my baby.

Yes,

I'll wake you,

Rosie agreed.

She frowned slightly.

I wonder whose baby she is.

They must be really worried about her by now.

Oh,

I left a note,

Meda said.

Are you sure you left it where they'd see it?

Meda nodded.

I put a stone on it to hold it down,

And surrounded it with other pages from my diary weighed down with more stones.

You couldn't miss it.

Rosie gently placed the baby on her bed.

I don't think she could fall off,

But just to be safe,

I'll put chairs around the bed and bank pillows against them.

Now,

Let's let her sleep.

Meanwhile,

Arthur had finished his phone call.

Mrs.

Dorr was doing as well as could be expected and was resting quietly.

Her injury was a simple break,

And all she needed to recover was time and rest.

The boys had managed to calm Delia down,

Captured the other children,

And were keeping them quiet.

Now,

They bombarded Meda with questions.

For the third time,

Meda told the story of the baby.

Meda,

You were so brave,

Laura said.

To follow that noise until you found out what it was.

I would have run away as fast as I could,

Or maybe even fainted.

No,

Meda insisted.

I wasn't brave.

I was scared at first,

But once I realized it was a baby crying,

I didn't need any courage to find out where the baby was.

I wonder whose baby it is,

Harold said.

Everyone echoed this thought,

Except for Arthur.

Who was deep in thought.

Something strange happened to me the other night,

Arthur said suddenly.

I didn't tell you all about it because,

Well,

I felt embarrassed that a girl outsmarted me.

Outsmarted you how?

Rosie asked.

Arthur,

Tell us.

Arthur recounted his strange encounter with Silva Burl.

It made me so mad,

He admitted,

That a girl could find a path I couldn't see and outrun me.

Silva's a strange girl,

Rosie commented,

But she won't be running anywhere for a while,

Poor thing.

I think Silva had something to do with that baby,

Arthur guessed.

That's nonsense,

Rosie said.

What would she be doing with someone's baby in the woods?

But she had a bottle of milk under her arm,

Arthur pointed out.

Yes,

Rosie said hesitantly,

And that reminds me,

I've seen her carrying bottles of milk before.

Oh,

I think someone just left the baby there for the day,

Laura said.

Maybe a tramp or someone like that.

But it must have been the baby crying that scared us during the picnic,

Harold suggested.

Then it was the same baby,

And whoever it was left her in the cave that day too,

Laura explained.

The telephone rang.

Arthur answered it,

Listened for a moment,

Then said,

Yes,

Of course,

We'll be fine.

Tell her not to worry.

He turned to the others.

Poor Granny is so upset that she wants to stay near the hospital tonight so she can see Mrs.

Dorr first thing tomorrow morning.

She asked if we could manage until Floribel comes tonight,

And I said we could.

Of course we can,

Maeda reassured him.

I'm glad Granny can stay.

It feels like everything is happening at once.

Things always come in threes,

Rosie said.

What's our third thing?

Maeda asked.

Mrs.

Dorr's accident,

Finding the baby,

And what's the third?

Wait and see,

Rosie predicted mysteriously.

But now we need to get lunch ready.

Thank goodness for all those cooking lessons we've had.

Remember when your father said we'd never know when we'd be glad we could cook?

What should we have for lunch,

Maeda asked,

Her voice trembling a little.

We'd better check the icebox and see what's there,

Laura suggested.

Oh,

Here's some nice stew left over from the other day,

Rosie's voice was triumphant.

That's perfect,

Because all we need to do is warm it up.

I'll handle the stew.

And here are some delicious tarts,

Laura exclaimed.

Granny must have made them this morning.

We'll have them for dessert.

While I warm the stew,

Rosie directed,

You two can cut the bread,

Fill the milk pitchers,

And put the butter on the table.

When they called the others to lunch,

They found the seats all rearranged.

This was Rosie's doing.

Each of you needs to take care of one of the younger children,

Rosie explained.

Now,

Everyone start buttering the bread while I serve the stew.

Laura took care of Betsy,

And Dickie looked after Delia.

Harold took charge of one of the Clark twins,

And Laura handled the other.

Maeda watched over both Timmy and Molly,

Leaving Rosie free to serve.

My goodness,

I never realized how much work Granny and Mrs.

Doar do,

Laura said at one point,

And how patient they are.

Delia,

That's your fourth slice of bread and butter.

Now you need to drink your milk.

Chapter 22,

Silva's Message After we finish washing and drying the dishes,

Let's set the table for supper,

Laura suggested.

Florabelle will be so tired when she gets home,

And will have so much work to do alone.

So the girls added this task to all the work they had already done.

Should we go swimming this afternoon?

Rosie asked,

After the last knife and fork were in place.

You all go if you want,

Maeda replied,

But I don't feel like swimming.

I just want to stay around the house.

So many things have happened that I'm worried about going away.

I feel the same,

Maeda,

Laura agreed strongly.

So while the boys went swimming as usual,

The girls stayed home.

I feel tired too,

Maeda remarked.

They took books from the library and settled quietly in the tree room,

Where they read and talked all afternoon.

They were interrupted twice,

Once by the boys,

Who kept their swim short as though they felt responsible,

And once by the baby.

When the baby woke up in the late afternoon,

Rosie brought her downstairs for some fresh air.

They all agreed she looked like a different child.

A bit of pink had appeared in her soft brown cheeks,

And the warmth and moisture from her nap had curled to the brown hair at the back.

It was as if it had been pulled from the back of her neck.

Oh,

You sweet darling,

Maeda kissed the little girl excitedly.

I wish your parents would give you to me.

A baby is just what we need in the little house.

Delia is not quite little enough.

She caught Delia and kissed her too.

Delia,

Big girl,

Delia protested.

Even the boys were amused and entertained by their little visitor.

Arthur made funny faces for her,

Which delighted her.

And when Harold whistled loudly,

She turned her delighted eyes toward him.

But it was clear she was still tired,

And she kept drifting into little naps.

I don't think I'll bathe her again so soon,

Rosie said thoughtfully,

When they took the baby upstairs for the night.

Tomorrow,

I'll give her a bath in the morning and another at night.

But for now,

I'll just wash her face and hands and give her the bottle.

You do it this time,

Maeda.

And tomorrow,

Added Rosie,

Always generous,

We'll take turns bathing and feeding her.

As they came downstairs,

Laura asked,

I wonder what time it is.

Oh,

It's half past five.

Five,

Maeda exclaimed.

Florabelle was supposed to be home by five.

What train can she get now?

Nobody knew.

But Arthur remembered there was a timetable in the library.

They all gathered around him.

Most of them found it as confusing as Greek.

But Arthur,

Who had some travel experience,

And Maeda,

Who had a lot,

Managed to figure it out.

There's a train from Boston at six,

And another at seven,

They finally decided.

And that's it.

She must have missed the three o'clock train from Boston,

Maeda concluded.

But the six o'clock train from Boston doesn't get here until eight.

In the meantime,

We'll have to make supper.

Let us boys help,

Arthur suggested.

It must be a big job cooking for 12 people.

I know how to cook,

He added unexpectedly.

Where did you learn,

Arthur?

Maeda asked,

Interested.

Tramping with my father,

Arthur answered briefly.

We often camped in the woods for days.

Supper isn't as hard as dinner,

Rosie said hopefully.

I suggest we make a combination salad with hard-boiled eggs.

There are lots of cold vegetables in the icebox,

And we can make a custard and orange pudding.

The whole group,

Three girls and three boys,

Bustled into the kitchen.

From a drawer full of aprons,

Rosie handed out enough for everyone.

The girls wore the aprons properly,

But Rosie tied the boys' aprons around their necks.

I've seen boys cook before,

She announced scornfully,

And they usually end up looking like they fell into a barrel of something.

The boys protested loudly,

But Rosie's comment wasn't entirely off the mark.

Arthur,

For instance,

Accidentally squeezed orange juice into his own eye.

He yelled so loudly that Harold dropped an egg on his coat.

See,

I told you,

Rosie declared scathingly.

Why did you have to drop an egg,

Harold?

Why not a potato?

However,

Pride comes before a fall,

And soon Rosie was caught up in her own mishap.

Sneaking a long sliver of ice from the icebox,

She grabbed it in such a way that it slipped out of her hand and slid down her neck.

Serves you right,

Arthur declared with delight.

Everyone watched her squirm with interest as she tried to retrieve the slippery,

Rapidly melting ice sliver.

You look like you got soaked with a hose,

Dickie commented.

But despite the mishaps,

Their dinner turned out well.

The salad,

Lettuce with cold peas,

String beans,

Tomatoes,

And sliced eggs was so pretty that made a set that looked like it belonged in the center of the table as decoration.

As for the custard and orange pudding,

Topped with a delicious meringue courtesy of Laura,

They ate and ate.

I've never tasted anything so good in my life,

Rosie sighed.

I wish we'd made a bathtub full of it.

Once,

I had a dream,

She continued pensively,

Where it seemed like I was going to have all the sweet things I wanted to eat.

I dreamed that when I went outside in the morning to go to school,

The whole neighborhood was made of pink and white candy.

Everything,

The houses,

The streets,

The lampposts.

I took a big bite right out of my fence.

And what happened then?

Mina asked breathlessly.

I woke up,

Silly.

Wouldn't you know that's what would happen when there's a whole world of candy to eat?

After talking a bit longer,

They all moved into the living room and started looking for their books.

Suddenly,

The telephone rang.

Meda,

Who was closest,

Said,

I hope nothing else has happened,

As she picked up the receiver.

I want to talk to Meda Westerbrook,

Said a girl's voice on the other end.

It sounded strange,

But familiar.

The strangeness was in its weakness and breathlessness.

I'm Meda Westerbrook.

Listen,

I have to talk quickly.

They'll be back soon and stop me.

I'm Silva Burl.

They think I'm asleep.

I've tried to tell them,

But they won't listen.

They think I'm delirious,

But I'm not.

I'm in my right mind.

My baby sister,

Nesta,

Is in a cave on the other side of the lake.

Tima is away.

There's nobody to feed her.

She'll starve.

I found her this afternoon,

Silva,

Meda interrupted.

She's upstairs in the little house now,

Fast asleep.

Oh,

Silva's voice dropped,

Almost as if she were fainting.

Then,

Suspiciously,

She asked,

Are you saying this because you think I'm delirious?

Tell me the truth.

I swear,

I'm telling you the truth.

Yes,

Silva,

Meda said steadily.

I'm telling you the truth.

I give you my word of honor.

I went across the lake this morning.

I heard the baby crying.

Followed the sound and found her.

Don't worry about her anymore.

We'll take care of her as long as you're ill.

She started to mention Mrs.

Dorr's accident and the absence of Granny and Floribel,

But something told her not to.

Instead,

She asked,

How did the baby end up in the cave?

It's a long story,

Silva replied weakly.

I can't tell you now.

Will you come see me tomorrow?

Yes,

Meda agreed,

In the morning.

You promise?

Silva's weak voice begged,

Almost threatening.

I crossed my throat and my heart.

Meda solemnly performed the gestures,

Even though Silva couldn't see her.

And you're sure she's okay?

Yes,

Meda replied.

You should hear her laugh and coo.

Ask her how often they feed her,

Rosie called from behind.

Meda repeated the question.

Four times a day.

At nine,

Twelve,

Three and six,

And then once at night.

That's what Rosie thought,

Meda explained.

Four times during the day and once at night.

I can never thank you enough.

Silva's voice had a tone Meda had never heard before.

But someday.

Here they come,

Up the stairs.

I have to get back to bed.

Silva's voice cut off suddenly.

Meda listened for a while,

But there was no more sound.

When Meda hung up the phone,

A barrage of questions hit her.

She told them everything she knew.

Who would have thought that baby would turn out to be Silva Burrell's sister,

Rosie said thoughtfully.

Well now,

Laura predicted with a hint of triumph.

I guess she won't be so stubborn.

Nesta,

Meda said.

What a sweet name.

I'll go tomorrow morning at.

.

.

And then the telephone rang again.

Meda answered it.

It's Floribel,

She announced in a serious voice.

They missed the last train.

We have to get breakfast.

If we have to get up that early,

Laura declared.

I'm going to bed now.

I'm so tired.

I'm getting cranky.

I told you things always come in threes.

Rosie reminded them triumphantly.

As Rosie disappeared with her sleeping burden,

Laura appeared at the stairs carrying the tray.

Hop back into bed,

Meda west a book,

She said serenely.

You're going to have breakfast in bed this morning,

Like a princess.

Meda meekly obeyed,

And Laura placed the tray on the bed in front of her.

On it,

The peel so arranged that it looked like a great golden petaled flower was an orange.

A dish of oatmeal,

An egg and an egg cup,

Two pieces of toast,

A small pitcher of milk and sugar.

Around the plate,

Nasturtium flowers and leaves were arranged.

Oh,

How good it looks,

Meda said.

And after a few moments of enthusiastic eating,

She added,

Oh,

How good it tastes.

You've made this tray look so dainty,

Laura.

I'm sure you're going to be the best housekeeper among us.

You like housekeeping,

Don't you?

I just love it,

Laura replied.

I hate it,

Rosie,

Who had reappeared in the doorway,

Declared emphatically.

I wish you could buy blocks of dishes like you buy blocks of paper so you could tear off a clean set for every meal and then burn them up.

I wish you could buy blocks of clothes the same way.

What a strange thing you are,

Rosie,

Laura exclaimed.

I just love having pretty things crocheted and knitted and embroidered,

Dainty china and glass and keeping everything neat and shiny.

Meda reflectively tapped the top of her egg,

Meditatively removed the little bit of broken shell,

Absently salted and buttered it and thoughtfully tasted it.

I don't know what I like,

She declared after a while.

I like to do anything if I'm doing it with people I love.

But I just despise doing anything with people I don't like.

An hour later,

Meda,

With one foot on the pedal of her bicycle,

Was accepting last-minute orders about marketing from Rosie and Laura while also giving them hurried advice.

Don't forget to buy all the different kinds of berries you can find,

Rosie said.

Berries make such an easy dessert.

And oh,

If there are any tomatoes yet,

Order all you can find,

Meda,

Laura chimed in.

I can make so many things with tomatoes.

Tomato and macaroni,

Tomato and crackers,

Stewed tomatoes,

And boiled tomatoes.

And don't let the fire go out,

Meda replied.

And always have someone near the telephone in case anybody calls.

And remember,

If the baby doesn't seem all right,

Telephone for the doctor right away.

Call the hospital at nine o'clock to ask how Mrs.

Dorr is doing this morning.

Then,

Mounting her bicycle quickly,

Meda was off like a bird.

Who would have thought,

Rosie said,

Looking after her,

That Meda Westabrook,

Who first came to Primrose Court so pale and thin and lame,

Would grow into such a strong girl.

Do you remember,

Laura?

Of course I do.

My mother didn't think she was going to live.

Meanwhile,

Meda was riding down the dewy trail,

Feeling some worry,

But also a growing sense of comfort that her troubles were over and that things would go smoothly now.

She completed all the marketing she had been tasked with and,

Being the first on the spot,

Even managed to secure a basket of early tomatoes for Laura.

As for berries,

They were everywhere.

Meda ordered,

A bit recklessly,

Blueberries,

Blackberries,

And currants.

It was ten o'clock,

Just as she had promised.

Meda was very prompt,

Having been raised by a business-like father to be on time.

Ten o'clock on the dot when she walked up the faustic path and knocked on the door using the big brass knocker.

A maid opened the door,

But just behind her appeared a white-haired lady in a black silk dress and black silk mitts with a small piece of black lace on her soft hair.

You are Meda Westerbrook,

She said,

Smiling,

And you've come to see our little invalid?

She's awake and waiting for you.

If you'll follow me,

I'll take you to her.

Meda followed Mrs.

Faustic up the broad,

Carpeted stairs and down a long,

Sunny hallway.

At the very end,

The old lady pushed open a door.

Silva was lying on a day couch near a back window overlooking the garden.

A light,

Brightly-flowered down puff covered her.

Silva looked pale,

But her strange,

Amber-coloured eyes seemed to hold a spark of fire.

Good morning,

Silva,

Meda said.

Good morning,

Silva answered,

But she used the words awkwardly,

Like someone who isn't used to morning greetings.

I'm glad you're better,

Meda continued,

Then paused,

Feeling a little embarrassed.

After a moment in which Silva said nothing,

She added,

How did it happen?

Mrs.

Faustic interrupted.

I'm going to leave you girls alone to talk.

I know you'll have things to tell each other.

Her kind old eyes smiled understandingly,

That you don't want grown-ups to hear.

Oh no,

Meda said involuntarily,

But this was only instinctive politeness.

She very much wanted to be alone with Silva.

Silva,

Apparently too honest to say anything,

Waited until Mrs.

Faustic's footsteps faded away.

Then,

With a sudden jerk,

She pulled herself upright.

How's Nesta?

She asked breathlessly.

She's fine.

She slept all night long without waking once,

Except when Rosie fed her at 10.

And this morning,

She looks as sweet and dainty as a rosebud.

Don't worry about Nesta,

Silva.

She's all right.

It's you we're worried about.

But this didn't seem to interest Silva.

How did you find her?

She demanded.

Meda told her the story,

Not leaving out a single detail.

Silva listened intently,

Her strange eyes fixed on Meda's face.

What time was it?

Silva asked.

Meda told her.

Oh,

She only missed one feeding then,

Silva said in a tone of acute relief.

You can't imagine,

She went on,

When I came out of my faint,

Just enough to remember about the baby,

How I felt.

I tried to tell them here about Nesta,

But nobody would listen to me.

They thought I was raving,

And I can't blame them for that,

Of course.

I begged them.

I screamed at them.

Then suddenly,

I thought of you.

Why?

I don't know.

But somehow I knew I could trust you.

I asked them to call you,

Or let me call you,

But they wouldn't.

There,

There,

They'd say,

Lie down and sleep.

You'll be all right in the morning.

Oh,

What I went through.

I thought I was going crazy.

And then I heard someone using the telephone in the hall.

And when they left me to go down to dinner,

I crept out and called you.

Nobody heard me.

They still don't know I telephoned.

I told them last night that I knew you'd come this morning.

It must have made you dizzy to stand up,

Meda said sympathetically.

It did,

At first.

I thought I couldn't do it.

But I had to,

So I did.

You're sure Nesta's all right?

Absolutely,

Meda reassured her,

Smiling.

But why didn't you call Aunt Save?

She was at the Warnford Fair.

They all went.

Timma went,

Too.

Aunt Save's telling fortunes.

Timma and I have been making baskets for a month.

He thought he could probably sell them all in three days.

We talked it over.

One of us had to go,

And the other had to stay with the baby.

Of course,

I was the one to stay with Nesta.

Timma won't be back until tomorrow.

But I don't understand why Nesta was in the cave,

Meda said,

Puzzled.

Silva closed her eyes for a moment and sighed.

It was a long sigh and a weary one for a little girl.

We've kept her there for a month,

She said.

We stole her,

Timma and I.

Stole her?

Meda echoed in a shocked tone.

Stole her?

From whom?

From my father,

Silva answered,

And two big tears formed slowly in her eyes.

They hung on the end of her long lashes,

But didn't drop.

Meda handed Silva her handkerchief.

Silva wiped the tears away.

No more came,

And she went on with her story in a perfectly composed way.

It's a strange story to tell,

And I'm so ashamed.

You see,

My mother died last February when Nesta was about three months old.

After mother's death,

Timma and I had to take care of her.

It was very hard because my father,

She stopped for an instant and seemed to choke on what she was going to say.

Then she went on steadily.

My father started drinking,

More and more.

But that wasn't the worst.

He started treating us badly,

And I was always worried about Nesta.

Sometimes I was afraid he'd hurt her.

Sometimes she stopped and looked at Meda imploringly.

Meda nodded as though she understood.

He was worse to Timma though,

And so Timma ran away.

He joined Aunt Save,

And she told him to stay with them.

One day he was exploring the woods and discovered that cave.

Well,

Things got worse and worse at home,

And then father told me he was going to get married again.

I didn't like the one he was going to marry.

I knew she didn't mind his drinking.

She used to drink too.

She didn't like me,

Timma,

Or Nesta.

I could see that she didn't want to take care of Nesta.

Timma and I could take care of ourselves,

But I knew she would be cruel to Nesta.

Silva paused.

This time it was Meda's eyes that filled.

Silva held out Meda's handkerchief,

And Meda took it and wiped her tears away.

Go on,

Meda urged.

Timma came back one night very late.

Father never knew he was there.

He threw pebbles against my window,

And I came out and talked to him.

He told me his plan.

It was for us to run away and take Nesta with us and keep her hidden in the cave.

He said he'd take the baby first.

Then after a few days,

I was to go live with Aunt Save.

You see,

If I ran away with the baby,

Father would know.

But if the baby was stolen while I was with him,

And when he thought Timma was with Aunt Save,

He wouldn't be able to blame us.

Oh,

Silva,

Meda gasped.

What a terrible thing to do.

I mean,

She thought for a moment,

What a terrible thing to have to do.

How could you do it?

I couldn't.

You can do anything,

Silva said,

In a strangely stern voice for someone so young,

If you have to do it.

So we planned it all very carefully.

Timma went back to Aunt Save,

And then he returned a few nights later.

While I was in the field with father,

He took the baby and went back and put her in the cave.

He traveled at night and almost always through the woods.

Nobody saw him.

When Aunt Save woke up the next morning,

Timma was in his tent.

What did your father say?

He was furious.

He thought Timma did it and went to see Aunt Save.

Timma was there,

But of course,

There was no baby around.

Aunt Save said Timma didn't have a baby with him,

And father knew Aunt Save wouldn't lie to him.

She asked father if he wanted me to come live with her since he was getting married.

Father said yes,

And when he came back,

He told me to go to Aunt Save.

He gave me money for the train fare,

And I went.

Didn't he do anything more to find the baby?

Meda asked,

Horrified.

Oh yes,

He searched everywhere.

He talked about her all the time,

And then after 10 days or so,

He told the police,

And there were articles in the newspapers with his picture and Nesta's.

It didn't look anything like her.

Reporters came to see him,

But after a while,

Nobody cared.

People don't care what happens to gypsies.

Silva's voice was bitter.

Then he got married,

And since his wife didn't want Nesta,

He stopped worrying about her.

And do you mean to tell me,

Meda said in an odd voice,

That you kept the baby in the cave for nearly two months?

Ever since just after you children came to the little house,

We were planning to take Nesta when we first saw you.

That's why we had to be so mean to you.

We had to do everything we could to keep you away from the cave.

That's why we acted so terribly that first day when you were swimming in the lake.

And that's why we broke your canoes.

And that's why we stole all your lunch the day of the picnic.

That day,

Tema was in the cave with the baby,

And I was bringing a bottle of milk and a little doll for her.

She was too little to play with a doll,

But I wanted her to have one.

Rosie Brine saw me.

I dodged around the bushes and got into the cave.

I think she would have thought she imagined me if I hadn't dropped the doll.

Tema and I sat there trembling,

And then we realized you were going to eat your lunch right nearby.

The baby was asleep,

But we were terrified she'd wake up and cry.

And then the idea came to us to steal your lunch and ruin everything so you'd think tramps had been there.

And then the baby did cry.

Oh,

How scared we were.

Tema and I clung to each other,

And the same idea came to us both at once.

I started moaning loudly,

And so did Tema.

And then you couldn't trace the sound,

And it frightened you,

And you all ran away.

Tema said you'd never come back,

And you didn't.

Except one night,

When I saw Arthur Duncan.

I've never heard or read anything like this made a declared solemnly.

How did you manage to take care of the baby,

And bathe her and feed her?

It was very hard,

Silva said simply.

Tema and I took turns spending the night in the cave.

Aunt Save never knew,

Because we waited until everyone was asleep before we left the camp.

I used to go in the morning to heat water and bathe her,

And once in the afternoon to take her out in the sunlight.

We made baskets all the time so that we could buy milk.

Getting the milk to her without being seen.

Oh,

How we had to plan.

I bought a little lamp,

And heated her milk over it.

And then I was so worried.

I knew it would become very difficult soon,

Because it was only a matter of time before Nesta started crawling.

Fortunately,

She was slow with everything,

Especially walking.

We planned to barricade the front of the cave,

But what we'd do when winter came,

We'd had no idea.

And then we were so concerned about clothes.

Silva stopped and looked down.

This is so hard to tell you.

Go on,

Maita urged.

I broke into your house the night before last,

And stole some doll clothes.

That first day you visited Aunt Save,

I heard you talking with her about a doll you had as big as a baby,

And how you kept her clothes in a little hair cloth trunk under your window in your room.

I watched the house until I figured out which room was yours.

There was a big tree in front of it.

And that night,

When everyone was asleep,

I climbed in your window and took all the doll clothes.

You see,

Some nights were rainy,

And I was afraid Nesta wouldn't be warm enough.

Please forgive me if you can.

I will return all the clothes.

Maita was silent for a moment,

Struggling with this situation,

Which was too complicated for her young mind.

Of course,

She said at last in a trembling voice.

Stealing is always wrong,

But I would have given you Lucy's clothes if you had asked me for them.

I didn't know you would,

Silva faltered,

And I didn't dare tell you about Nesta.

Of course,

I saw Lucy's clothes in the cave,

Maita continued,

Her eyes downcast.

Let's not speak of it again.

Very likely,

I would have done the same thing if I had been in your place.

Except I wouldn't have stolen the baby in the first place.

She paused,

Then added honestly,

But maybe that's only because I wouldn't have had the courage.

What are you going to do now when you get well?

I don't know,

Silva answered drearily.

I'll have to wait until Tema comes back.

Everybody will know then.

Aunt Say will make me write to father and tell him I have Nesta.

He'll take Nesta away from me,

And that dreadful mother will be the one to take care of her.

Silva put her head in the hollow of her elbow and sobbed,

But these were not the sobs of a child.

They were hard and tearless,

Shaking Silva's whole body.

Maita rushed to her side.

She put her arms around Silva and kissed her again and again.

Don't think about it anymore,

Silva dear,

She begged.

I know it's not as bad as you think.

Will you let me tell my father about it?

My father is a wonderful man.

It's almost like he has magic powers,

Like a genie.

He'll find a way out for you,

I'm sure.

Will you let me tell him?

It was a few moments before Silva's whispered yes came from between her racking sobs,

But soon after,

She sat up.

Here comes someone,

She whispered.

Please don't say anything about Nesta.

Sweet dreams,

My friend.

Sleep well.