"Why, I don't know. That would be nice. I think I am growing fond of company."
"Well, I can come over;" half jocosely.
"Oh, I meant other people;" innocently.
"Then you don't care for my coming?"
"Yes, I do. Oh, do you remember that winter I was half sick and how you used to come over and read Latin? And I used to say it to myself after you."
That delighted him. He didn't feel so cross about the young fellow, but he half hoped he wouldn't pass, and have to go back to New Hampshire for another year.
They sat on the stoop and chatted until the old stage stopped and Chilian alighted.
"Oh!" the young girl cried, "where did you leave Anthony?"
"With Cousin Giles. The examinations will begin to-morrow."
It was near supper-time and Ben rose to go. Sometimes they asked him to stay to supper, but to-night they did not.