"And since you've grown your little beard, you do look so different. I wish you needn't. I like you to look as you used. But even if Mr. Peterson did see you, I shouldn't think he would know you."
"We needn't talk about Mr. Peterson, Pattie. We'll try to forget all that."
"Only, I do wonder sometimes why he should be unkind to a nice dear daddy like you."
"People have their reasons for action, my dear; and one can't expect always to understand. So many mistakes, you know, and harsh judgments. But the comfort is that my Pattie knows her old father."
"I should think I did!" Two tears fell.
"And now we have to consider what to do. A good many things to be seen to—and the house cannot be ready to take us in till—how long did he say? A week was it? I must have another talk with Mr. Cragg, and settle all minor points. But we will go back to the farm for a week. You can write and tell them so; tell them to expect us to-morrow. Dear me, I like that man, Cragg, very much. Shouldn't wonder if he would help us to find a servant; some nice respectable body, who will do for us."
"If only we could have kept Susan! She would have liked so much to come."
"No, my dear." Mr. Dale spoke nervously. "I think we arranged all that."