"Oh, Eloise!"
In a moment the two children were locked in each other's arms. Between them was a bond of sympathy which neither could have defined, stronger, more tender, than the tie of human relationship. Then, joyfully, Eloise began to tell him all about her visit. She had so many messages to deliver, and Carol had so many questions to ask, it was lunch time before they were half through. Dr. Burton came in from his rounds. He told them that he had called at the Manor, and had gained Mrs. Mandeville's permission to keep Carol for the rest of the day.
"Thank you so much, Dr. Burton, I am very pleased to stay," Carol said in answer.
Dr. Burton laid both hands on the boy's shoulders.
"My boy," he said gravely, "the pleasure is ours. We owe you a debt of gratitude we can never hope to repay."
The words brought a flush of pleasure to Carol's face. He could not think that he had done anything to deserve such gratitude.
After lunch, when she found the trunks had been unpacked, Eloise showed Carol a little book, Miss Desmond's parting gift to her. It was exactly like the book that had been given to Carol. He took it from Eloise, as she held it out to him, but immediately laid it down on the table. "Shall we do part of the Lesson together, Carol? It will be so nice. I have done part of it every morning with Miss Desmond."
"Yes, I used to," Carol said, and Eloise detected a note of sadness in his voice.
"Do you study it alone now, Carol?" she said.
"No, I never study it at all, Eloise. I have not a book. The book Cousin Alicia gave me Uncle Raymond has."