“Oh, Joan! Oh, I am so sorry!” Janice looked up from a letter. “What’s the matter, Jandy Mac? Don’t say it’s bad news! Something always happens to take you away when you come to stay with me,” Joan exclaimed. “It’s good news, but the result’s the same,” Jandy said ruefully. “I shall have to go home. Poor Littlejan! She was counting on telling me about school; and I did want to be here for Maidlin’s wedding!” “But those will both happen in a fortnight! You can’t go as soon as that!” “I’m afraid I must, if I can get a berth. This letter’s from my husband; he’s been given an appointment which we’ve been hoping for. He’ll be working between Ceylon and Australia; not among the Islands any more. We’ll need to live in Ceylon; and the appointment takes effect at once. Alec can’t possibly move house and two small boys without my help!” “Oh, Jandy, I am sorry! I don’t want to lose you. And you’ll have to give up your Island home,” Joan added.