"It is too bad she died, if she had waited Tom would have taken her on his road."
Jo looked up from her sewing.
"What are you talking about?" she asked.
"Tom Gavot. He used to play with the road and now he mends it. Some day he's going to make roads. They'll be splendid roads, I'm sure, and——"
"What do you know of Tom Gavot, Donelle?"
Jo started as she had when Donelle had told her of Dan Kelly.
"Mamsey, don't be angry, I know I should have told you. I don't know why I didn't, but while you were away I hurried and got through my work and then I was so lonely. I went out on the road—Nick and I, and I found Tom Gavot."
"You've seen him—often?"
And now Jo's eyes were stern and frightened.
"Why, yes, I suppose so. I didn't count. It seems as if I had always known him. He's wonderful. Besides knowing about roads, he knows books, all kinds. Father Mantelle teaches him. I'd like to go, too, and learn from Father Mantelle."