Peggy gave a little cry of delight.
"Oh, Compadre, when did you come? We have just been talking about you," cried Peggy, flitting to the side of the tall, handsome old gentleman and slipping her arm about him as his encircled her shoulder, and he looked down upon her with a pair of benign dark eyes as he answered:
"I have been luxuriating and feasting for the past half hour while waiting for a truant ward. Jerome took pity upon me and fed me to keep me in a good temper.
"Oh, Compadre, I want you to know my new friend, Mrs. Harold and her niece, Polly Howland. We have been having the loveliest visit together."
Dr. Llewellyn advanced to meet the guests, one arm still encircling his ward, the other extended to take Mrs. Harold's hand as he said:
"This is a great pleasure, madam. To judge by my little girl's face she has found a congenial companion. I am more than delighted to meet both aunt and niece."
"And we are ALMOST the same age! Isn't that lovely!" cried Polly.
Dr. Llewellyn exchanged a significant glance with Mrs. Harold, then asked:
"Have you imparted your peculiar power to your niece, Mrs. Harold?"
Mrs. Harold looked mystified. "I am afraid I don't quite understand," she smiled.