"It is he, I know it is!" she exclaimed. "Do let me go to the door."
"You are very fanciful to-day, Bert," said Mrs. Codman. But she did not forbid her going. Bert's earnestness had given birth to a wild hope on her part, that it might be as she had fancied.
Before the loitering servant had a chance to reach the door, Bert had already opened it.
Bill Sturdy and Charlie stood on the steps, Charlie looking handsome and manly, with an eager look on his bright face. Sturdy, it must be owned, looked and felt a little awkward, not being accustomed to call as a visitor at houses as elegant as Mr. Bowman's.
"Oh! this is Charlie, isn't it?" exclaimed Bert, with childish delight, instinctively putting out her hand.
"What, do you know me?" asked Charlie, pleased with this cordial reception, but astonished at being recognized.
"Oh, yes."
"Is my mother here?"
"Yes; I will go and call her. But won't you come in?"
"I would rather you would call her," said Charlie, bashfully.