Tea now being quite ready the two men were called from the shop, the lace curtain was pulled back from the glass-top door, and, grace having been said, the meal began.
"Now, make yourself at home, my boy," the postmaster said to Billy, "and let me tell you once for all that you'll always find a welcome here."
"Thank you, Mr. Dingle!" Billy replied, his eyes alight with gratitude.
"Uncle John, please!" corrected Mr. Dingle.
Billy smiled, and flushed with pleasure.
"Thank you, Uncle John!" he said, adding: "Oh, I wish mother knew how kind you all are to me!"
Twice during tea customers came to the shop, and the postmaster had to go to serve them. On the second occasion Billy thought he recognised the customer's voice, and glanced quickly at his grandfather.
"Yes!" nodded William Brown, "it's Master Tom! Why, here he comes!"
A smiling face peeped around the half-open glass-top door, whilst its owner said—
"What a jolly tea-party! Mrs. Dingle, won't you please give me a cup of tea?"