Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/46

38 lad from his depression, and give him something to think of during the many sad, lonely hours that she saw were in store for him. But the dreamy chime of the cathedral clock on the mantel, as it struck four, reminded her of her promise to see Rob after school, and she rose to go, saying brightly,—

“Now, my boy, I have worn you all out with such a long visit, for a first one. I must go now, for Rob is coming up after school, and I must be at home in time to see him. I hope I sha’n’t drown on the way,” she added, as a fresh gust of wind brought a flurry of rain against the windows.

“I wish you needn’t go,” said the child. “It has been so jolly to see you again. You haven’t been here but a few minutes.”

“An hour and a half, exactly,” answered Bess, “but I’m coming again real soon.”

In the early twilight of the stormy day, the room was growing dark. As Bess stooped to say good-by to the boy, she was surprised to feel the hot tears on his cheeks. Sitting down on the edge of the sofa, she drew his head over into her lap, and stroked his face in