She slipped out of his arms with a sigh. His hands clung to her.
"Truly, truly, Kenny, I must go!"
"I'll come back with another lantern after supper."
"No," said Joan. "Please don't. Mr. Abbott might scold. Besides, every star is a lantern to-night. And Uncle sent Hughie for you long ago."
Kenny groaned.
CHAPTER XX
THE CHAIR BY THE FIRE
He went with her as far as he dared, and turned back with shining eyes and stumbling feet. He did not afterward remember his supper or what he had eaten, though Hannah at his command had set the table in the kitchen and Hughie had talked sensibly of pumpkins. He did not remember climbing the stairs to Adam's room. The one thing that jarred through his dreamy feeling of detachment was the old man's face.
"You're late!" he said.