"I don't know that I approve of the new friendship," said Nan. "I thought he was a perfectly horrid little boy when I saw him."
"So did I. He's a spoiled one, I fancy, none too well brought up, full of mischief and allowed to run wild."
"I wonder what sort of looking woman his mother is," remarked Nan. "I think I'll try to find out. Most of the people have gone, but she must still be here or Clarence—what a name—would be gone, too." She stepped down into the garden and came up to Jack who was showing off the beauties of the place with an air of proprietorship.
"I've been here before," said Clarence sturdily.
"Yes, but I come 'most every day," returned Jack, "and I know where everything grows. I'll show you the paisano, too. We have one Mr. Roberts gave us; he's getting awfully tame."
"Who's your friend, Jack?" said Nan, "and why aren't you in the dining-room?"
"Why aren't you?" returned Jack.
Nan smiled. "I'm not needed there now, for almost every one has gone."
"Then I'm not needed either," said Jack. "Mrs. Bobs said we could come away when we got tired, and I got tired."
"Evidently that is just what happened," said Nan. "Why, I've seen this boy before, haven't I?" she continued.