Evan wanted to see Hazel and to have a visit with Bill. He persuaded A. P. to stay over a day.
Hazel was a changed girl. There was the same old peculiar fire in her eyes, but she was now healthy and happy looking.
"How good it is to see you, Evan," she said, giving his hand a generous squeeze. "Look who's here!"—pointing to a cradle.
Evan got on his knees to the baby, who acknowledged the attention with a coo.
"I'll bet you have started already to spoil him! By the way, Hazel, the little chap reminds me: how did you win Bill all so suddenly?"
Hazel smiled happily:
"Only about a month after you wrote Billy he came down to Hamilton and informed me we were going West—together."
Bill turned and looked at Evan.
After supper, while Henty was dividing his attention between Hazel and the baby, Bill whispered to Evan:
"The boy is one of the surprises I had for you. I've got another—come in the smoking-room."