Mary, who had been growing more and more restless, placed a hand over his lips. Then she ran forward, dropped to her knees and buried her head in Aunt Caroline's lap.
"He's teasing us—both of us," she said in a muffled voice. "That isn't what we came to say at all."
Aunt Caroline stroked the small head.
"And what is it you want to say?" she inquired.
Mary looked up suddenly.
"Will—will you let me marry Bill Marshall—Aunt Caroline?"
The eyes behind the spectacles were smiling.
"Just for calling me 'Aunt Caroline,'" she said, "I believe I will, my dear."
Mary hugged her.
Presently she and Bill went to hunt for Pete Stearns and Nell, who were reported to be in the conservatory. As they departed, Aunt Caroline called: