"Jealous? Of the best, the most loving little friends a girl ever had? Ah, no, my grandfather, I too shall love them more than ever."
"Call them every one and let us share this joy with them."
"My dears, my dears," cried the señorita, running up the path and calling to the retreating figures who had delicately withdrawn, "we want you."
"Us, too," called Jack from the garden gate.
"You, too."
"My friends," said the señorita as they all came up, "such a wonderful thing has happened as some of you know. I am no longer alone. I have here what you have not, a grandfather."
Jack and Jean hand in hand stood looking with grave curiosity as they saw Mr. Pinckney gather their señorita close to him. "I don't believe it," said Jack; "you're just fooling us."
"Are you her grandfather, Mr. St. Nick?" asked Jean.
"I am, my child, I am, and proud enough of it."
"Then why didn't you tell us before?" asked Jack.