"Humph!" remarked the old lady with so much emphasis that Budge ceased talking. A moment later she said:—
"I didn't mean to interrupt you, little boy; go on."
"An' he rides with just the loveliest lady that ever was. He thinks so, an' I KNOW she is. An' he 'spects her."
"What?" exclaimed the old lady.
"'Spects her, I say—that's what he says. I say 'spect means just what I call love. 'Cos if it don't, what makes him give her hugs an' kisses?"
Mrs. Mayton caught her breath—and did not reply for a moment. At last she said:—
"How do you know he—gives her hugs and kisses?"
"'Cos I saw him, the day Toddie hurt his finger in the grass cutter. An' he was so happy that he bought me a goat-carriage next morning—I'll show it to you if you come down to our stable, an' I'll show you the goat too. An' he bought——"
Just here Budge stopped, for Mrs. Mayton put her handkerchief to her eyes. Two or three moments later she felt a light touch on her knee, and, wiping her eyes, saw Budge looking sympathetically into her face.
"I'm awful sorry you feel bad," said he. "Are you 'fraid to have your little girl ridin' so long?"