"And where is he now?"
"He is just returned to the United States. I hope he may reach there safely."
"How does it happen that you did not go with him?"
"I should have done so but for this good friend," he laid his hand on Mr. Kirkby's arm. "He has discovered me just in time."
"Well, sit down here and tell us all about it," commanded Aunt Manning. "See where Lillian is, Nancy. She must not lose this. You might as well stop and tell Tibbie to make crumpets for tea, or scones, or something, a lot of them. Men are such hearty eaters. I have fed Ernest Kirkby before."
Anita sped on her errand and was soon back with Lillian who was duly presented to this new cousin and who was well nigh as excited as Anita herself.
"Joseph is going to tell us his story," announced Aunt Manning, "and don't either of you girls interrupt him by silly questions. I am glad he can speak English."
"I think you know something of my life before I arrived in England," Pepé began, "of my stay with Uncle Marcos, of my work in Barcelona. This good gentleman has told me that you know so much. It is after my meeting with Mr. Abercrombie that you do not know. He takes a fancy for me," Pepé was still a little awkward with his prepositions, "and brings me with him. He has business in Spain, in England, but he is lonely since the death of the wife, and wishes a companion who can perhaps be of use to him. He likes my little violin, and plays well himself, so we journey together. He has taught me many things. I owe him much. Because of the loneliness he wishes that I call him uncle, Uncle Bruce, and as you would say as a nick-name he calls me Don, always Don. Now that this war has come he must return to his country, but we hope to meet again."
"Was he disappointed that you left him to go alone?" asked Anita.
"Now, what did I say?" Aunt Manning cried. "Of course he was disappointed. I knew one of you would ask some silly question."