Then everybody dispersed. They'd had such a good time, and were eager in their acknowledgments.
"Why, I quite like John Robert Charles," said Ben. "He's a real smart fellow."
"If you would please not call him all those names," entreated Hanny. "He doesn't like them."
"Well, I should say not. I'd like just plain Bob. He wants the girlishness shaken out of him."
"But he's so nice. And if he should come over please don't let Jim plague him."
"Oh, I'll look out."
It was a week before Ben could put on his shoe, and of course it was not wisdom for him to go to school. He went down-town in the wagon and did some writing and accounts for Steve, and read a great deal. Mr. Reed and Charles sauntered over one evening. Hanny was sitting out on the stoop with "father and the boys," and gave Charles a soft, welcoming smile. Margaret was playing twilight tunes in a gentle manner, and the dulcet measures fascinated the boy, who could hardly pay attention to what Ben was saying.
"Do you want to go in and hear her?" Hanny asked, with quick insight as she caught his divided attention.
"Oh, if I could!" eagerly.
"Yes." Hanny rose and held out her hand, saying: "We are going in to Margaret."