Well--I don't mean
any disrespect to the lady from Virginia, Andy, but I'm afraid mother'll
have to make an exception to that rule, or else remain for the night."
The three laughed softly, Charlotte's hand on her brother's shoulder, as
she stood on the step above him.
"You mustn't say any saucy things, Jeffy," said she, with a soft touch
on his thick locks.
"I won't. I'm too tickled to have you back--both of you. We missed
Fiddle pretty badly," he said to Doctor Churchill, "but we found time to
miss you almost as much. There have been several times while you've been
gone that I'd have welcomed the _chug_ of your runabout under my window,
waking me up in the middle of the night."
"Thank you, old fellow!" said Doctor Churchill with a hand on Jeff's
other shoulder. "That's mighty pleasant to hear."
In spite of Jeff's prediction, Mrs. Birch soon managed, in her own
tactful way, to follow her sons home. Mrs. Peyton went up to her room at
last, a cordial good night, following her from the foot of the stairs.
Then Doctor Churchill drew his wife back into the living-room and closed
the doors.
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