[CHAPTER XXIII.]
TOM'S PERSUASIONS.
"WE are going home to-morrow!" said Jean, with a sigh. "Auntie, are you not very sorry? Now, confess!"
"Very sorry to leave this nice place, and the sea, but not to be going home."
Tom, who was sitting on the grass at her feet, looked up suddenly.
"Is our home going to be yours?" he asked, gently and earnestly.
"I do not know, Tom!"
"Have mother and father asked you? Don't answer if you'd rather not, auntie," he said, his cheeks burning, as he still looked in her face, "but mother is better and back again now, and she said in her letter this morning—"
"It was not curiosity," apologised Rose, "but because we did so hope you might be able."
Aunt Ruth's eyes filled. "It makes me very happy to think you want me," she said in a low tone; "but I have not been able to decide yet."