that she should go too. Your uncle has a
cottage near that he is going to let them have. Margot will take
charge of you still in the nursery, and I shall feel that you are being
looked after well whilst I'm away. Do you think the plan will work?'

'Yes,' the children cried simultaneously; for Bobby had outgrown his
dread of the silent house now, and the idea of going back there, and
showing True all his old haunts filled him with delight.

'I wish,' said Bobby slowly, 'as we're all going there, that Curly
could come too. Do you think, father dear, we could make a confab
about him?'

'Go ahead, then. From your account he is quite a reformed character;
but I don't see how he could form one of your party.'

'He's so very clean now,' continued Bobby earnestly; 'and Miss Robsart
has got him into a shop. He dusts and sweeps and runs errands, but he
told me yesterday he wants a run into the country awful bad. He would
like to come with us.'

'Yes, he might black our boots and work in the garden,' said True.
'Will Lady Is'bel ask him, do you think, father?'

'No, I think she is doing quite enough if she takes charge of you two
young pickles.'

'I shan't like leaving my friend behind,' said Bobby solemnly. 'You
see, he saved Nobbles' life. He deserves me to remember him, and not
go away and forget him.'

'You send him one of your letters,' said his father smiling, 'or a
present. You needn't forget him because you're away from him. Is that
what you are going to do with me?'

A look from Bobby was sufficient reply to this. Then, lapsing into his
worst grammar, in his excitement he said, 'I never forgetted you one
day since I was borned! It's like a bit of my puzzle map,' went on
Bobby after a pause. 'It's a plan with a piece left out, and it isn't
finished till it's putted in. Curly must be in our plan, father dear.'

'He may be in yours, but not in Lady Isobel's, I think,' said Mr.
Allonby.

'We'll make a confab with Lady Is'bel about him when we get to her
house,' suggested True. 'I believe she'll find a way to have him.'

Bobby cheered up at once.

'I believe she will. We'll ask her.'

And then, dismissing the one flaw in the delightful plan, they talked
of Bobby's old home with enthusiasm till Margot came to take them to
bed.

Chapter XV.

THE OLD HOUSE AGAIN.

It was a typical spring day. The old house stood in the midst of its
rhododendrons and azaleas; the red brick wall round