Willie nodded to Loo and then to her father.
“Boy,” said the latter, beckoning Willie to approach, “my daughter wishes me to go and visit a poor family near London Bridge. She tells me you know their name and address.”
“The fairy, you know,” said Loo, explaining.
“Ah, the Cattleys,” answered Willie.
“Yes,” resumed Mr Auberly. “Will you conduct me to their abode?”
In some surprise Willie said that he would be happy to do so, and then asked Loo how she did.
While Mr Auberly was getting ready, Willie was permitted to converse with Loo and Mrs Rose, who was summoned to attend her young mistress. Presently Mr Auberly returned, bade Mrs Rose be very careful of the invalid, and then set off with Willie.
At first the boy felt somewhat awed by the remarkably upright figure that stalked in silence at his side, but as they continued to thread their way through the streets he ventured to attempt a little conversation.
“Weather’s improvin’, sir,” said Willie, looking up. “It is,” replied Mr Auberly, looking down in surprise at the boldness of his small guide.
“Good for the country, sir,” observed Willie.