Friday evening she did not eat much supper, and was very silent. "Longing to get back home, I guess," said Mrs. Alder. "Well, dear, you will be back with the other children tomorrow. I know what it is. I was homesick myself when I was a child." Clematis did not answer. She didn't know how to tell what it was that troubled her, so she said nothing. The stars were bright, and the tiny moon was low in the sky, before the weary eyes closed in sleep. Clematis had been thinking, and thinking. Tomorrow was Saturday. Early in the morning she was awake again, by the window. She leaned her head on her hands, and began to think again. "That is what he said," she repeated, half aloud. "That is just what he said. If he didn't mean it, why did he say it?" At the breakfast table, Mrs. Alder noticed how pale her cheeks were. "Try to eat some toast, dear," said Mrs. Alder. "You will soon be home again. Only a few hours more now." Clematis raised her eyes, and gave Mrs. Alder a strange look. "That child does beat all," said Mrs. Alder, after breakfast. "She seems to be thinking a lot, but she keeps as quiet as a stone jug." "She is thinking; you may be sure of that," Mr. Alder replied. All the morning Clematis went about silently, except when she was in the loft with Deborah. Then she talked. "I shan't be afraid. I am a big girl, Debby, and I shan't be a mite afraid." Deborah could not speak, but she snuggled up close, and purred, so Clematis knew just what she meant. "Be sure to have all your things ready, Clematis," called Mrs. Alder. "We shall have an early dinner, for Mr. Ladd will be here about one o'clock to take you to the station." "Yes'm," said Clematis, and she went slowly to her room. Before long, all was ready, and dinner was on the table. "Now, let's eat a big dinner. I roasted a chicken especially for you." How good the roast chicken smelled! There were baked potatoes, and peas, and beans, too. Clematis was hungry now. She ate, and ate, and ate. "Good girl." Mr. Alder patted her on the head. "Travelers must be well fed." "Be sure to wash all the blueberry off your mouth," added Mrs. Alder, as Clematis got down. Clematis went to the sink and washed her face and hands. Then she went to the back door. "Don't forget Deborah's satin dress, and velvet hat?" called Mr. Alder. She turned and smiled back at him, as she went out. Soon Mr. Ladd drove up. "I came a bit early," he said. "I've got some milk for the Seminary. Is Clematis ready?" "Yes, all ready, I guess. She just went out to get her cat." Mrs. Alder went to the back door and called. She waited a minute, but Clematis did not come. She called again. No Clematis. "Please go and get her, Henry," she said to Mr. Alder. "Tell her to come right in." After a few minutes Mr. Alder came back. He looked puzzled. "Well, where is Clematis?" asked Mrs. Alder. "I don't know." "Don't know? Isn't she in the loft?" "No." "Well, perhaps she went to say goodby to the pigs."