“No, nothing is the matter,” quickly interrupted Millie. “Don’t be so jumpy, Glo. You are really getting fidgety.”
Along the rocky footpath Tom was scrambling up to their retreat.
“He’s got a letter,” faltered Gloria.
“Hope it’s good news,” ventured Ben.
“Hey, Glo!” sang out Tom. “Here’s a special!”
Gloria was jumpy. Her heart pounded just now.
“I wonder—” she began.
“It is from New York,” volunteered Tom. Then he saw the young man who had been just a little lower down on the other side of the big rock. Tom’s blue eyes swept critically over the stranger before he turned to leave.
“Wait a minute, Tom,” said Millie. “You want to meet our new neighbor. This is Ben Hardy who is going to live in Gloria’s place.”
“Oh,” said Tom, not over friendly. Then “Hello,” he added with a measured smile. “I guess your mail is coming on ahead. I saw some for Mr. Hardy this morning,” he said simply.