If she had been free—who knows? She might have learned to love him.
These musings were suddenly interrupted by a loud bang of the kitchen door, and Stella's voice raised in sharp protest.
"If you don't learn to come in quietly, you'll stay out, young man."
Venna smiled. She knew this was Bud, who had free access at all times, much to Stella's disapproval.
There was a fairly well-controlled knock, and at Venna's "Come in" Bud entered on tip-toe.
He was always "washed up," with the shoes that Venna had given him well "shined," when he called on this wonderful lady of his dreams.
"Thot I'd step in an' give yer the news," he said, seating himself familiarly.
"Yes, Bud dear, but be quick for baby is waiting for her bath and I have several things to fix for the wonderful entertainment to-night. You're going to be there?"
"You bet! But, Missus Hadly, I've got spicy news. There's mermaids in town!"
"Mermaids!" laughed Venna. "What on earth do you mean, Bud?"