Laverne stared at him a moment, then a lovely smile illumined her face as she slipped her hand in his and rather bashfully introduced her new friend.
"I have been making the acquaintance of your brother and your sister," he said. "I hope you and my little girl will be friends."
"Oh, we have promised to," declared Olive. "I am coming to see her pony, and I am very glad to know her."
He nodded and escorted the children about, or rather followed Olive, who gracefully made herself mistress of the occasion and chatted with an ease that amused him. But it was getting late, and as he had performed his round of duties, he proposed now that they should return home. Olive kissed her new friend with much fervor.
"Parties are just splendid," Laverne said, as she danced alongside of Uncle Jason. "Can't you have a party unless you are married?"
"Oh, yes, there are birthday parties and Christmas parties and parties just for fun."
"But you have to know a good many people, don't you?"
"I think I have seen three or four little girls have a party."
"I know four now."
"And perhaps by Christmas you will know four more," returned Uncle Jason.