"Good night," she said.

"Thank you very much for helping me carry the fish home.

I'm coming to see you again some day." She scampered up the walk.

Jed, waiting in the shadow of the lilac bushes by the fence, saw her rattle the latch of the door, saw the door open and the child caught up in the arms of a woman, who cried: "Oh, Babbie, dear, where HAVE you been?
Mamma was SO frightened!" He smiled over the memory of the little girl's visit more than once that evening.

He was very fond of children and their society did not embarrass or annoy him as did the company of most grown-ups-- strangers, that is.