"Now, Billy," she said, "be careful with those horses. When you attend,
you drive very well."
She settled herself on the back seat with John, delighted to be again
where her tireless sense of duty kept her busy--quite too busy at times,
thought some of the village dames. "Your Uncle James will soon be at
home. Is his pet scamp any better?"
John did not know, but Josiah's rheumatism was quite well.
"Sister-in-law has a baby. Six trout I ketched; they're at the house for
you--weighs seven pounds," said Billy without turning round.
"Trout or baby?" said Ann, laughing.
"Baby, ma'am."
"Thanks, but don't talk any more."
"Yes, ma'am."
"How is Leila?" asked John. "Does she like it at school?"
"No, not at all; but she will."
"I don't, Aunt Ann."
"I suppose not."
"Am I to be allowed to write to her?"
"I think not. There is some rule that letters, but--" and she laughed
merrily. The rector, who worshipped her, said once that her laugh was
like the spring song of birds. "But sometimes I may be naughty enough to
let you slip a few lines into my letters."
"That is more than I hoped for. I am--I was so glad to get you back, Aunt
Ann, that I forgot to tell you, Mr. George Grey has come."
"How delightful! He has been promising a visit for years.
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