seeing him.

"Eddie! Oh, my dear, I'm so glad to see you!" she cried, flinging her
arms around his neck.

"Hulloa there," he said awkwardly.

"But how did you come? I didn't hear any wheels."

"Look." He pointed over to the shed; she looked over his shoulder to see
Reggie Hornby grinning at her from the seat of a wagon.

"Why, it's Reggie Hornby. Reggie!" she called.

Reggie took off his broad hat with a flourish.

"Tell him he can put the horse in the lean-to."

"All right. Reg," called Marsh, "give the old lady a feed and put her in
the lean-to."

"Right-o!"

"Didn't you meet Frank? He's only just this moment gone out."

"No."

"He'll be back presently. Now, come in. Oh, my dear, _it is_ splendid to
see you!"

"You're looking fine, Nora."

"Have you had your dinner?"

"Sure. We got something to eat before we left Prentice."

"Well, you'll have a cup of tea?"

"No, I won't have any, thanks."

"Ah," laughed Nora happily, "you're not a real Canadian yet, if you
refuse a cup of tea when it's offered you. But do sit down and make
yourself comfortable," she said, fairly pushing him into a chair.

"How are you getting along, Nora?" His manner was still a little
constrained. They were both thinking of their last parting. But she,
being a woman, could carry it off better.

"Oh, never mind about me," she said gayly. "Tell me all about yourself.
How's Gertie? And what has brought you to this part of the world? And
what's Reggie Hornby doing here? And is Thingamajig still with you; you
know, the hired man?"--The word "other" almost slipped out.--"What _was_
his name, Trotter, wasn't it? Oh, my dear, don't sit there like a
stuffed pig, but answer my questions, or I'll shake you."

"My dear child, I can't answer fifteen questions all at once!"

"Oh, Eddie, I'm so glad to see you! You are a perfect duck to come and
see me."

"Now let me get a word in edgeways."

"I won't utter another syllable. But, for goodness' sake, hurry up. I
want to know all sorts of things."

"Well, the most important thing is that I'm expecting to be a happy
father in three or four months."

"Oh, Eddie, I'm so glad! How happy Gertie must be."

"She doesn't know what to make of it. But I guess she's pleased right
enough. She sends you her love and says she hopes you'll follow her
example very soon."

"I?" said Nora sharply. "But," she added with a return to her gay tone,
"you've not told me what you're doing in this part