“That's part of it,” agreed Miss Redding grimly, “if you pay on that note regularly.”
The smile that had beautified Lorna Percy's face when she entered the kitchen was gone now. She looked at the boy by the window. Harvey did not dare look at him, nor did Miss Susan. There was something monstrous in thus putting the child in pawn.
“Well, then?” said Harvey, rising heavily from his chair.
Lem looked at him, his eyes filling with tears. “Am I goin' to stay here?” he asked for-sakenly.
“Oh! you'll love it here,” cried Lorna, going to him suddenly and kneeling before him and putting an arm around him. “Such cookies! Such a yard to play in!”
“Yes, I guess you'll stay here awhile, Lem,” Harvey said slowly. “You'll be a good boy for your aunt, won't you? You won't cut up any ruckus? You be a good boy, Lem, an' I dare say I 'll get you again before long.”
Lorna looked up at Miss Susan. There were tears in the girl's eyes, too.
“May n't I take him out on the porch until the cookies are baked, Miss Susan?” she pleaded.
“Do so,” said Miss Redding grimly. “I want a couple of words with my brother.”
“Well, good-bye, Lem,” Harvey said hesitantly.