“Oh, my dear!” cried Carolyn May, “he just adores chicken bones. You are the very kindest lady, Miss Amanda! I love you, heaps and heaps—and so does Prince.”
Darkness came on apace. The sky had become overcast, and there was promise of a stormy night—more snow, perhaps. But Miss Amanda would not allow Carolyn May and Prince to start for home at once.
“Watch for your uncle, Carolyn May, out of the front-room window, and be all ready to go with him when he comes along,” said Miss Parlow. “No, it isn’t time for him yet. When the clock says ten minutes to five you can begin to look for him.”
“Oh, my! Miss Amanda,” said Carolyn May wonderingly, “how well you know his time for coming home, don’t you?”
Miss Amanda blushed and did not appear to think that question needed an answer. After that she seemed much preoccupied in mind.
When Uncle Joe came along, Carolyn May ran out and hailed him from the porch.
“Wait for me, Uncle Joe! Wait for me and Princey, please! Just let me get my mittens and Prince’s harness and kiss Miss Mandy.”
That last she did most soundly, and in full view of the man waiting in the white road. Miss Amanda’s tenderness, as she knelt on the porch to button Carolyn May’s coat, was marked by the hardware dealer—and also her shining brown hair and her eyes so bright and sparkling. But he made no comment on this picture when his little niece joined him.
“Oh, Uncle Joe, I’ve got just the wonderfulest story to tell you! Shall we harness Prince up again, or will you——”
“I can’t wait for the dog, Car’lyn May. I’m in a hurry. You oughtn’t to be out in this wind, either. Get aboard your sled, now, and I’ll drag you myself,” Mr. Stagg interrupted.