“For my part, I think that he will come,” said Mrs. Littlepump.
“I am sure I hope so,” said Margaret. “Dear, how my heart beats!”
“Your heart beats for Mr. Bear?” said Dr. Littlepump, looking hard at Margaret, who instantly blushed up to her eyes, and her ears were as red as ripe cherries.
“Oh, I do so wish——” said little Valentine, and then he stopped.
“What do you wish, Valentine?” asked Mr. Doctor, looking at his watch.
“I wish we had Jemmy here!”
“Jemmy! what Jemmy?” inquired Mr. Doctor with a serious face.
“Why, Jemmy, the merry little fox with the yellow brush tail!” said Val.
At this moment the clock struck six, and without any knocking, or ringing, or any other announcement, the parlour door opened and in walked Mr. Bear!
He bowed with his usual politeness; but he had a more than usual air of gravity and some appearance of anxiety. Margaret placed his chair for him and this seemed to please him.