“Nancy,” said Miss Tredgold, “I revoke what I said. You must come and see my girls whenever you like.”
“On condition, madam,” said the farmer, “that the young ladies sometimes come to see Nancy and me.”
“Certainly,” said Miss Tredgold; “but I also must put in a condition.”
“What is that, madam?”
“That I occasionally accompany them.”
But at this the farmer gave such a cheer of hearty goodwill that all the children joined in in spite of themselves.
“Was there ever anything quite so jolly in all the world?” cried Pauline. “I feel younger than ever, and jollier than ever. Here comes father, too. We are all together. Father, I am back again, and it is all owing to Farmer King and Nancy that I am cured. Whom shall we cry three cheers for? You give the word.”
“Aunt Sophy, of course,” cried Verena.
“Hip! hip! hurrah!” shouted the Dale family.
“And I should like to suggest a hearty cheer for my good old friend, Farmer King,” said Mr. Dale.