Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/40

32 muttered; and then lay very still, listening to Mary’s steps as she answered the summons.

But when he heard a familiar voice ask,—“Well, Mary, is Master Fred in?” his face grew suddenly glad, and, sitting up on the sofa, he turned his head eagerly towards the door.

Mary’s reply was inaudible to him, as she said,—

“Oh, Miss Carter, I’m so glad you’ve come. Master Fred’s all alone out in the back parlor, and he’s sad enough, poor boy!”

Then he heard Bess speak again: “Please take my cloak, Mary, it is so wet; and ask him if I may go right in there.”

“Oh, do come quick. Miss Bessie!” he called out. “I’m so glad you have come.” And as he heard the door open, and the light, quick steps advancing towards him, he stood up and put out both hands to greet his guest, with no trace of his old fretful look.

With a hasty glance Bess noted the helplessness that prevented his meeting her at the door, but she only said, as she kissed him,—

“Well, Fred, I am so glad to have you back within reach once more.”