“Just the word; only you mustn’t tell her so,” was the reply; at which Inna shook her head, and said she could not be so rude. Then came the sound of the doctor’s gig outside the house, a step and a voice in the passage.
“He’ll not come in here, dear,” Mr. Barlow told Inna, seeing her start and change colour; “he’ll have a cup of tea in his den, as we call it,” at which Oscar nodded, and said, “And a good name too!”
Tea over, Mr. Barlow rose, and said “Good-bye for to-night, Miss Inna; David is going to Jonathan,” patted her head, and was gone.
“Is his real name David?” she asked shyly of this cousin she had no idea of finding at Uncle Jonathan’s; nor had her mamma either, she decided in her own mind.
“No; William—Billy Barlow they call him in the village, only I didn’t say so just now,” returned Oscar drily.
“Mind your lessons, Master Oscar,” said Mrs. Grant, when she came in to fetch the tea equipage.
[p34]
“Fudge!” was the boy’s response, he and Inna established on the hearth, roasting chestnuts; and they were still there when Dr. Willett surprised them by a footfall close behind them.
Up sprang Inna, like a startled daisy.
“So you’re Mercy’s little daughter?” said he, by way of greeting.
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