"That is good news," responded Anita, catching her breath. "His eyes, what about his eyes?"
"One is quite right; the other has a bit clipped out of the sight, so it will be of little use to him, but to see at all, and he certainly does, that is great, isn't it?"
"It is great, indeed. When do you think he will be here?"
"By Christmas Eve, he says. The doctors think he would better get to some sunnier climate for the rest of the winter, for he needs to be out of doors. Where's that boy?"
"He is coming. He just went up to say good-bye to mother. It is very harrowing, this daily separation," she laughed. "Between mother and Aunt Manning, I am afraid he will get so spoiled there will be no living with him."
"You're jealous, miss, that's what the matter."
"I'm not. Don't you dare to say such a thing. Imagine my being jealous of my brother whom I have longed for all this time," she said indignantly, and Mr. Kirkby laughed.
"Nice lad, nice lad," he said, "so is young Wirt. There are a number of good people left in the world, my child."
"I don't need to be told that when I see one of the very best before me," she retorted.
"Coals of fire! Coals of fire!" he cried, lifting his hands. "Here comes the boy. Will you go along, too, to Chichester? We are going to call on Aunt Bets."