“Well now, whilst you stay with me there is much work to be done. But for to-day, until you become accustomed to your new surroundings, you may take holiday. To-morrow morning be up as early as to-day. After breakfast I will show you in what direction your work will lie.”
After that she went away, and saw no more of him all day. It was an ideal holiday in the sun and warmth and beauty of the outdoor life. And for the noontide meal, Billy came and sat with her, though he only drank one glass of water whilst she ate.
“Are you not hungry?” she asked.
“Well, yes. I’m getting hungry, but it isn’t my meal-time yet. You’d be astonished if you saw the amount I eat compared with you,” and he laughed in the gayest, happiest tone. After a while he said: “Have you made friends with the frog yet?”
“With whom?”
“The frog. My father’s pet frog. It is in the garden, but is rather shy of strangers, but very talkative when once you get to know it.”
“A frog? And it can talk?”
“You bet! It has a better fund of words and style of oratory than many a statesman.”
“Well, then, it should be a human being.”
Billy looked at her, and his brilliant sparkling eyes were laughing.