.'

'And the apple-tree is here,' said Mr. Egerton.

Bobby's eyes shone.

'I'll teach True how to sit on it and look over the wall,' he said.

The children ran out to the garden directly their tea was finished.
Old Tom seized hold of Bobby by both hands.

'Ay, the good old times are coming back to this house,' he said.

'I think these are new times,' said Bobby.

'No, no. I mind when the house were full of children's voices and
laughter before the old master died. There's a stir that does my heart
good, Master Bobby; and the master be right down hearty with all on us.
He be the proper man to be here, sure enough!'

True's delight at exploring the gardens and climbing into the
apple-tree infected Bobby.

'I never had no one to play with before,' he said. 'Me and Nobbles
used to make up plenty, but we wanted someone else to do it.'

He showed her all his old haunts with the greatest pride, then, tired
out with their journey and excitement, they returned to the house and
willingly went to bed. Lady Isobel paid Bobby a visit the last thing
at night.

'I hope you will be happy, darling, here.'

Bobby clasped both arms round her neck.

'Me and Nobbles have been talking about it. We did feel a little funny
when we comed in. I was so 'fraid in this house before, but it's all
quite, quite different!'

'I hope it is. I don't want you to feel that you have to creep about
on tiptoe and keep out of sight. I shall like to hear your steps and
voices all over the house. Isn't it strange, Bobby, that you and I
should be here together? How little we thought it would come to pass!'

'I was always looking out for father,' said Bobby slowly. 'I shan't be
able to do that now, acause I knows he won't be back for free years.'

'No; but you can be learning lessons as fast as you can so as to be
getting ready for the time when you will be with him again. And then
you'll have to write him letters, Bobby, and he will write to you.
That you could never do before!'

'No. That will be lovelly! And please Aunt Is'bel, may I ask you
about Curly? He was so dreadful sorry to say good-bye, for Miss
Robsart teached him on Sunday, and we talked to him always when he was
on his crossing. Me and Nobbles is 'ticularly fond of him, and True
says he could work in the garden here. You would like him; he has
curly hair, and he can whistle any tune you ask for, and--and--he's
very mis'able we've all gone away from him.'

'How