“I can’t come in this time to see it,” Janice said. “I’ve got to hurry on to school. When I come home, perhaps.”
The Beasely door opened and Nelson Haley came out. He was not very robust-looking yet; but he spoke cheerfully, as usual.
“’Morning, Janice! Nice, brisk morning, isn’t it? Hello, Lottie Drugg! are you well to-day?”
“Good morning!” returned Janice, hastily, and started the car again.
“I’m going to walk with you, Nelson Haley!” cried Lottie, and ran to meet him.
Nelson was looking after the little touring car as it rolled swiftly down the hill, past Mr. Cross Moore’s, and out of sight. He sighed.
“What’s the matter?” demanded Lottie, abruptly, squeezing his hand.
“What’s the matter with what?” he returned, smiling down at her.
“You sighed when you looked after Janice—just so!” and the child repeated the expulsion of breath that Nelson had unconsciously made.
“Did I do that?” he said, rather wistfully.