So Peter told her story as modestly as she could, and twice Aunt Carol said "Good girl," and once "That was sensible," but when Peter got to the part about Mrs. Harman in the shop, she laughed and said:

"Oh! she's just a stupid old woman! I'm sorry for little Jenny - I believe she's unkind to her... You'd better ask Jenny up here, while you're with us... but I doubt if she'll come," she added, half to herself.

When Peter had finished both her story and her supper, she plucked up her courage and said:

"Where's Uncle Micah? I haven't seen him yet."

A shadow passed over her aunt's face.

"Oh, he's out. He had to go out. Perhaps he's gone to look for you. I think he was getting worried."

Then she sat down on the bed again and took Peter's left hand in her own.

"Petronella," she began, "I ought to tell you that sometimes your uncle does rather unusual things. You must try not to be surprised or frightened at what he says or does, because he grieves a lot. I am glad you have come and I hope you won't be bored here. I've wanted you to come for a long time because it is good for him to have young people round him and... and you see, my dear, people here - the cottage people and others - don't understand him. You mustn't mind if sometimes he doesn't seem to be listening to you or if he's a bit snappy... And, besides, he's very proud of you..."

"Proud of me?" said Peter in bewilderment. "Proud of me? Why, he can't remember me - and doesn't know anything about me."

"Oh, yes, he does. Your father tells him everything about you and your school... He ought to, Petronella. He has a right to know how you are getting on."

"Why?" the startled girl asked.

"Why? Don't you know? He pays your school fees. That's why you are able to go to the Castle School. After Charles went he wanted you to have this chance, but if your father hasn't told you he ought to have done."

Peter didn't know who Charles was, but she was up in arms in a flash for her father.

"Perhaps Daddy did tell me. I forget. But, anyway, it doesn't matter. If he didn't there's a jolly good reason for it, you can be sure."

"Well," her aunt smiled, "that's why your uncle wants to see you, anyhow. You won't see him till the morning now, so you'd better go to sleep."

Then she kissed her lightly, tucked her up - and this was a new experience for Peter - and turned out the lamp.

"What a day!" Peter thought as she turned over.