"That is my second desire," Billy carefully explained; "my first is that Merry become a member of our family."
"To that," his uncle replied, "I have already given my unqualified approval."
The boys left them and they continued to the house. Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher met them at the steps.
"I had begun to fear that you and Merry were lost," Marian said, after Huntington greeted his host.
"We have been lost a long time," Huntington replied, with a meaning they did not comprehend; "now we have indeed found ourselves."
He took Merry's hand in his and stood for a moment looking at them both.
"Would this time be inopportune," he continued, "to ask if you can spare this little girl to some one who loves her very dearly?"
"So Billy has persuaded you to become his champion?" Mrs. Thatcher said with some annoyance. "I didn't think Merry cared for him. He is so irresponsible, Mr. Huntington. It is difficult to refuse anything you ask, but couldn't the matter wait?"
"The boy isn't grown up enough to think of such things yet," Thatcher added.
Huntington smiled quietly at the natural mistake. "It is for one who is perhaps too far grown up I stand as champion, but I am hoping you will not look upon that as an obstacle. I did for many months, but Merry has a way of making one forget his years."