"Mr. Kenneth love Bobbie's mither?"
Kenneth laughed, a free, happy laugh. It was contagious, and the child laughed too. So did Esther in spite of herself.
"Mr. Kenneth tan't love Bobbie's mither."
"Can't, eh?" Again the happy laugh. "Who says I can't?"
"I do, his adopted mother," said the girl, demurely.
"I'll just capture you the way Bobbie did, and you can't help yourself." And again the stern eyes that seldom smiled, were filled with laughter.
Esther suddenly stopped.
"I can take Bobbie home."
"So can I," he said carelessly, with a suggestion of laughter still in his voice.
"I command you, Mr. Persistency, to turn about and leave me to take Bobbie home."