“I’ve come here first of all,” she said, “because I couldn’t wait a minute. How big you’ve grown, Will!”
“Why, I didn’t know it,” he replied. “But you, Nan—why, you’re a reg’lar swell!”
Four months had done much to change Annabel. Page [129.]
“Fudge!” cried Nan, disdainfully; “you won’t catch me getting swell—or swelled—I can tell you. But they call us ‘young ladies’ at school, and we get to be perfect sticks. Oh, but it’s good to be back in Bingham, where everything’s sweet and simple, and you can do as you please!”
“It’s good to have you back, Nan,” he said.
“Why, there’s Flo!” she exclaimed. “Come here, dear, and kiss me this minute.”
Flo, who had just come from the house, ran at once into Annabel’s arms, and Will stood by and grinned with great delight, although something about the girl filled him with a strange embarrassment.
“Now, sir,” said Annabel, “I’m ordered to bring you back home with me, and you’re to stay to dinner and spend the evening.”