“I wonder how Alec is, Grandmother?” Blue Bonnet said, glancing up. “Don’t you think I might go over for just a few minutes this afternoon?”
“I would rather that you didn’t go out to-day, dear; probably your aunt will bring word when she comes home.”
And Miss Clyde did bring word that Alec was much better; but, like Blue Bonnet, kept at home.
“Did you see Solomon, Aunt Lucinda?” Blue Bonnet asked.
“He was down at the gate watching when I came from church.”
“I suppose he wonders where I am,” Blue Bonnet said longingly; “I haven’t said good morning to him, yet.”
Miss Lucinda went away to take off her hat and coat. She came back soon, behind her a little wriggling brown dog, who was all over Blue Bonnet in a moment, licking her hands and all of her face he could reach.
“Solomon, you darling!” then Blue Bonnet looked at her aunt. “Aunt Lucinda, did you tell him he might come?”
Miss Clyde smiled. “Well,” she said slowly, “Solomon has improved a good deal lately; it seems as if he were entitled to a few extra privileges. As for Solomon’s mistress, I am quite sure she is—after yesterday afternoon.”
“Solomon, do you hear?” Blue Bonnet bent to pat Solomon, who by now was sitting sedately on the hearth-rug, looking about the room with approving eyes. “You’re promoted, Solomon, and it’s up to you, sir, not to get demoted. It’s a terrible disgrace, Solomon, to be demoted.”