The girl nodded.
"Linda," said Mrs. Porter, with excited urgency, "what has happened, dear?"
The girl continued to look at them for a moment of silence, as if loath to let her secret pass her lips.
"Bertram!" exclaimed Mrs. Porter.
Linda nodded.
Miss Barry gave her niece a shake. "Speak out," she said, cross in the mounting excitement of the moment. "Has he been over here?"
"No. I went there. Blanche Aurora sent me with a snack. The hens got the snack; but—we had tea."
"Oh, you darling!" exclaimed Mrs. Porter under the eloquent eyes and dimples. "You shall kiss her first, Miss Barry. Hurry up. I can't wait."
"I don't see any reason for kissing her," said Miss Barry, and her earrings quivered with what she was repressing. "Feeding dainties to the hens. The idea!"
"Oh, there is a reason, there is a reason, Aunt Belinda." Her namesake spoke softly, and taking her in her arms kissed her. "How good you've been to me!" she said tenderly.