Martha feared that Ida's mother, finding her so attractive, could not resist the temptation of keeping her.
"I suppose," she said, "that she has the best claim to her, but it would be a terrible thing for us to part with her." "Don't let us trouble ourselves about that," said Timothy.

"It seems to me very natural that her mother should keep her a little longer than she intended.

Think how long it is since she saw her.

Besides, it is not too late for her to return to-night." At length there came a knock at the door.
"I guess that is Ida," said Mrs.Harding, joyfully.
Jack seized a candle, and hastening to the door, threw it open.

But there was no Ida there.