At the threshold Jane hesitated. Even to her youthful eyes there was something restful in the picture.
"Good old pals," she said under her breath. "Aunt Mary knows how to entertain reclining years." Then picking up Bonnie, her ebony kitten, she coughed respectfully.
"Good news?" asked Aunt Mary.
"The best ever. Where is dad? I hate to give it to him second handed."
"Your father will not be back till dinner time, dear. He is over Lincoln way."
"Then we will have to enjoy it in trio. You know what it is about, Uncle Todd?"
"But, Janie girl, I've got to be a-goin'. Some chores and some cookin' to do, and if I don't get at it in good time I'm apt to slip it by. Good afternoon, ladies," he finished quite grandly. "Can't tell when I had sech a fine time."
"But you can't go now, Uncle Todd," objected Jane. "I am going to drive you over."
"No sich thing. If I don't keep a-walkin' my jints will gum up: I am goin' to walk."
"Oh, if you must," said Jane with the foolish social intonation. "So awfully sorry."