“Be sure to get back here by one o’clock, Bob,” called out Sammy, as they parted.
“Is there going to be a game?” asked Bob.
“Yes, a fine one, and our crowd needs you.”
“I’ll be on hand,” promised Bob.
Mary chatted in her childish, innocent way. When they reached the Bouncer home Mary sat down on the grass to pet a little kitten. This gave Bob a chance to get to his mother and explain how matters were.
Mrs. Bouncer came out, in her pleasant, kindly way, and took Mary into the house. Bob knew that his mother would do all that was right for the poor lady, and set about his noon-time chores.
He had his lunch and then went up to his den to get some of his football togs. When he came down his mother told him that the village sewing circle was to meet at the house that afternoon. They would arrange for the comfort and safety of Mary in some way, she said.
As Bob started from the house he saw Mary seated in the little summer-house, looking over some pretty pieces of silk like a pleased child, and singing to herself in a happy, contented way.
“I’ve got lots of time,” said Bob to himself, as he walked down the street, “but I’ll get to the field early, so as to have a talk about the game with Dave.”