"Er—no," said Mr. Graham, whose spirit was broken.
"My aunt's not got much of a garden," said William, "so I expect I shall be here most days. I'll come for the tricycle and money after tea."
"We mustn't be shy of each other," Miss Strange said in low, confidential tones; "my friends call me Ruby...."
Mr. Monkton looked wildly from her to William. His face was the face of a man in the depths of despair.
******
After tea, William's mother was anxious to know how William had spent his afternoon.
"I met a man," he said casually, "who's going to let me play in his garden an' he's given me a tricycle and some money."
"Where does he live, dear?" said Aunt Ellen.
"At the end of the road," replied William.
"Oh, I know," said Aunt Ellen, "it's a beautiful big garden. You're a very lucky boy, William. But I can't think why——"