We've been hunting for you ever since." "Nonsense, children!" Uncle William spoke with gay cheeriness; but he refused to meet either Billy's or Bertram's eyes.
"Uncle William, how could you do it ?" reproached Billy, again.
"Do what ?" Uncle William was plainly fencing for time.
"Leave the house like that ?" "Ho! I wanted a change." "As if we'd believe that!" scoffed Billy.
"All right; let's call it you've had the change, then," laughed Bertram, "and we'll send over for your things to-morrow.

Come--now let's go home to dinner." William shook his head.

He essayed a gay smile.
"Why, I've only just begun.

I'm going to stay--oh, I don't know how long I'm going to stay," he finished blithely.
Billy lifted her chin a little.
"Uncle William, you aren't playing square.

Pete told us what you said when you left." "Eh?
What ?" William looked up with startled eyes.
"About--about our not _needing_ you.