Stella Starr studied Andy silently for a few minutes. Then she said:
"Andy, I believe you are a good, truthful boy. I am sorry for you. You deserve a better home. I don't believe you will ever have it with your aunt."
"Half-aunt," muttered Marco.
"I do not consider you owe her any particular duty. You are not happy with her?"
"No, ma'am, never," said Andy.
"And I believe you would be happy with us."
"Yes, I would," said Andy, with emotion. "I love the life here."
"Very well, go back to Fairview just as you have planned. Arrange your affairs just as a clear conscience dictates to you. If fate leads you back here, come to me directly. I will speak to the manager and ask him to take you on with the show."
Tears of longing and gratefulness came to Andy's eyes. He could not stop them.
"You are good, kind people," he said in a muffled tone. "If I never see you again I shall never forget you."