They sat side by side in the swing, their heads close together deep in conversation, but at sight of Aunt Betty and Tom, Jack sprang to the ground and came rushing towards them.
"Uncle Tom, has Aunt Betty told you? Do you know I'm going to school?"
"Yes, I know that and something else which makes me very glad, happier than I've ever been in all my life."
"What?" asked Jack and Eva in chorus.
"That some day, when I go home, Aunt Betty will marry me, and go home with me as my wife. That's a big bit of news, isn't it, Jack?"
Eva laughed and clapped her hands, but Jack stood looking from Tom to Aunt Betty, with a slight air of bewilderment.
"Then she'll stay with you for ever and ever?" he said.
"I hope so, Jack," said Tom, with a little laugh.
"And you'll be my real uncle, not a pretence one?"
"Yes," said Tom again.