"Perhaps, as you are taking the place of my uncle, it would be proper to call you Uncle Mark," she laughed.
"All right, if you prefer it," said Mark.
"On the whole I won't. I am afraid you don't look the character. Are you quite sure you can protect me?"
"I'll try to, Miss Gilbert."
"Then I won't borrow any trouble."
Maud Gilbert had carefully observed Mark, and as he was an attractive-looking boy she felt satisfied with the selection made for her.
"I am glad you didn't wear your uniform," she said. "I forgot to speak about that."
"When I heard what I was wanted for I thought it would be better to leave off the uniform," said Mark.
"That was right. Now I can pass you off as a young friend. If I meet any young lady friend, don't call me Miss Gilbert, but call me Maud. Perhaps you had better call me that at any rate."
"I will—Maud."