“I don’t know, Philip—I don’t know where she has gone.”
“I think I do. I think she’s gone to get you a great surprise.”
“She should not have gone away to-day, when there was so much to be done.”
“You won’t say that when you know. Aunt Grizel, you’ll always be good to mother—won’t you?”
“Why, of course, dear; she is your mother.”
“But even if she wasn’t my mother—I mean even if I wasn’t there, you’d be good to her. I wish you’d promise me.”
“Of course, Phil—of course; but as you are going to be very much there, there’s no use in thinking of impossible things.”
Phil sighed.
“Aunt Griselda,” he said gently, “do you think I make a very suitable heir?”
“Yes, dear—very suitable.”