Arrived at the back door Billy stopped, his heart sinking despairingly. From the kitchen came the sound of Mrs. Brown's voice, loud and indignant.
"Oh, dear, she's in a temper," thought the little boy. "Perhaps I'd better keep out of her sight."
But he was so anxious that he could not help lingering to listen. Then he had a most wonderful surprise.
"Nonsense!" he heard Mrs. Brown exclaim, "Perfect nonsense! What can he do for Billy more than we can? There's nothing for you to be so upset about that I can see! Write to the man yourself and tell him 'No!' You've the first claim on the boy, for you're his grandfather. There's no reason why we should give him up to any relation of his mother's now."
Billy's heart gave a bound of joy. Then Granny was against sending him away! It was amazing, but true. He rushed into the kitchen, his eyes a-sparkle, his face aglow with delight. Mrs. Brown appealed to him immediately.
"You don't want to leave us, child, do you?" she asked.
"No!" Billy cried; "No, no, no! I—I, oh, the thought of it was dreadful!"
"It was," William Brown agreed. "I was only putting it to you, Maria, that this Captain Foster might be able to do more for Billy than I can, and—"
"And I tell you I don't believe it!" interrupted his wife. "Billy's cut out for a gardener, and he's in his right place. I daresay this Captain Foster would want to send him to sea. You write and tell him we can't give the boy up."
"Oh, Granny!" cried Billy. He made a rush at Mrs. Brown, and, clasping her around the neck, kissed her. "I thought you'd be pleased to be rid of me," he said, "but you really want me to stay. Oh, I am glad—I am glad!"