Jim had been gone only a few minutes when Aunt Zélie's corner was again invaded. This time it was Ikey who looked in, and seeing her alone came and took possession of a stool at her feet.
"I am going a week from next Thursday," he announced.
"I don't enjoy all these changes in the least," she said, patting the curly head; "I can't think what I shall do without my boys."
"You have been so awfully good to me, only I never could say so like Jim. I don't want to go away and have you think I don't care, for I do, and I hope you won't forget me." Ikey got through this speech with difficulty.
Aunt Zélie couldn't help laughing at him. "You are a dear boy, and there is not the slightest danger that we will ever forget you," she said, and then she told him about the talk she had just had with Jim.
"He is splendid, isn't he? and I used to wonder why Carl liked him."
"Yes, he has changed a good deal since we first knew him, but I am proud of all my boys, and believe I can trust them wherever they go."
It was almost dark in the hall when she found herself taken possession of by two strong arms, and Carl's voice inquired what she was doing all alone.
"Feeling ashamed of myself."
"Very unnecessary, I am sure."