But bye and bye Will chanced to remember that Egbert had been left to tend the fires alone, so he jumped up and said he must go. And Annabel made no attempt to keep him, but stood at the window and waved her hand in farewell as he passed down the walk.
Mrs. Williams had another of her bad headaches that day, so she did not join the family at the evening meal, a circumstance that filled the children with thoughtless delight.
Mr. Williams was with them, however, for whenever he could be in Bingham he loved to have his family about him, and all the little folks were very fond of him indeed.
“Will was here today,” said Annabel; whereat there was an uproar from the others because they had missed their favorite playmate. And Gladys added:
“I’se busted my top, so Will’s got to make it fixed.”
“He’s coming again tomorrow,” Annabel announced, “to bring me a book, and some mushrooms. Then he can fix the top, Gladys.”
Mary Louise looked at her sister curiously, and even Ted smiled at the wave of red that dyed Nan’s cheeks.
“Seems to me you’re getting pretty thick, just because he dragged you out of the pond,” cried Reggie, mischievously.
“Will’s a fine fellow,”, said Mr. Williams, gravely, “and I hope he’ll come often!”
“So does I!” declared Gladys; and then the conversation shifted to another subject, greatly to Annabel’s relief.