"The relatives have never seen me," said Betty.
"Bob has seen you."
"Not since I was ten years old—that's eleven years ago. Was I terribly homely, Mrs. Baxter?"
"Well, my dear, you were by no means a beauty."
"You certainly have changed," put in Hiram admiringly.
"Thank you, Guardy. Then it's all settled. I'm to be the new secretary, Miss Thompson? Not Miss Thompson, the new secretary—you see, there's a difference. Is it a bargain?" she asked, giving them her two hands, while a mischievous light danced in her eyes. "Is it? You don't mind, do you? I'll work, I'll do anything, but I want your promise that I'm going to be the new secretary, Miss Thompson."
"I give ye my promise," said Baxter, and he held out his big hand, which she first patted affectionately and then hugged in her warm, white palms.
"And you?" Betty turned to Eleanor. "Please! Perhaps we'll only keep it up for a few days?"
"What a tease!" laughed Eleanor. "Very well, Miss Thompson, I give my promise."
And so it was arranged.