"Make yourselves at home, and stay as long as you like. I'm coming out to Spring Grove to see you. And if you ever need a friend, I'll do my best to help you. And if—" he looked smilingly at William and Miss Miflin, then he concluded that this was not a time for joking. "God bless you," he said, and was gone.
It was not until then that Sarah felt the arm round her loosen its hold.
"He has Albert yet," she said. "I am afraid he will do him something."
Whereupon the arm tightened its grasp once more, and William had only one hand to hold out to the amazed and delighted twins.
"Albert is all right," he said. "And you're not to worry about anything, ever."
"And if it hadn't been for teacher—" began Sarah.
"I know," said William. "And now we will go home."
"Home!" The word was like a burst of song. And only a few hours before she had thought they would have no home. She took a twin by either hand. "Come!"
But the twins drew back.