He stepped back and held Shirley off at arms’ length, and for a long time gazed at her in silence.
“You are so like your mother,” he said quietly, “I can refuse you nothing.”
“Then you will promise?” asked Shirley eagerly.
“Yes,” said Mr. Willing slowly, “I promise.”
“There never was a better Daddy,” exclaimed Shirley.
Laughing happily, she threw both arms around him and squeezed him tightly.
“Stop, stop,” laughed Mr. Willing, “or you will make me sorry I promised.”
Shirley released him, and he patted her on the back affectionately.
“Run away now,” he said, “and leave your old Daddy here to think.”
With a parting kiss, Shirley left him, and rejoined Mabel on the porch.