"Lost in 'maiden meditation,' Fred?" asked Bessie's voice at his side.
The boy sprang up with a glad cry.
"Oh, Miss Bess! I didn't hear you come in. How glad I am you are here!"
"I mustn't stay but a moment," said Bess, as she sat down on a mussy pile of pillows and afghan. "How is your mother?"
"She's well; but she's awfully busy," replied Fred, leaning on the back of a chair, with his chin in his hands. "I don't know just what is up, but I haven't seen her since breakfast—at least, she hasn't been here," he added hastily, for he was gradually giving up the old-time expression.
"I can tell you, if you wish to know," said Bess quietly. "She is going to Europe next Wednesday with your father."
Fred's face became so blank with astonishment that she hastily went on.
"But you are not going to be left here to keep bachelor's hall, nor to go with them. Instead, what do you say to coming to our house?"
There was no doubt of the answer. Too happy to speak, Fred dropped on the sofa, and turned his face to Bess, while a bright flush rose in his cheeks. At last he said,—
"Is it really true, Miss Bess? Can I? May I? It's too jolly!"