Miss Dunmore looked away, blushing red. It was a curious kind of love-making. She whispered in the ear of the little girl, "Would you let me have him?"
Sue looked up into her eyes doubtfully.
"She wants our Uncle Robert," Socky guessed aloud.
"But not to keep?" Sue questioned, as if it were not to be thought of.
The eyes of the children were looking into those of "the beautiful lady."
"I couldn't have him?" the latter asked.
"We'll give you our coon," Sue suggested, by way of compromise.
"I am sure he—your uncle—would not go with me," Miss Dunmore suggested.
Socky seemed now to think that the time had come for authoritative information. He broke away and called to his new uncle.
The maiden rose quickly, blushing with surprise. She turned away as Robert Master came in sight, and stood for half a moment looking down. Then, stooping, she picked a wild flower and timidly offered it. The act was full of childish simplicity. It spoke for her as her tongue could not. Knowledge acquired since she saw him last had possibly increased her shyness.