"Why, you and I hardly ever see one another! After all, even if you've forgotten the old times, _I_ often remember them--I mean the times when you and I and George were so much together and such good pals.

I love every brick of Old Place because of those days." He was speaking with deep feeling now.

"Sometimes I feel as if I should like to run away--it's all so different here from what it used to be." He saw a kind, moved, understanding look come over her eyes, and firm, generous mouth, and quickly, man-like, he pressed his advantage.
"Look here," he said coaxingly, "don't you think we might hit on some kind of compromise?
Won't you allow me just to get some sort of temporary housekeeper who can look after things while poor Nanna is laid up ?" She shook her head.

"I don't think any of us would like that," she said.
"But I daresay I have become too much of a Martha." She got up, feeling painfully afraid that she was going to cry again.
"I don't see why I shouldn't do as Timmy said--change my apron, I mean, and go into the drawing-room.

For one thing, I should like to see Mrs.
Crofton's dress.