"I hope I haven't kept you waiting very long! And the sun is getting hot! I have been so slow this morning! I could have gone faster, only there were that many things to keep me, and I didn't know you would be here.

I'll hurry after this.

I've never had to be giving excuses before.

The line wasn't down, and there wasn't a sign of trouble; it was other things that were making me late." McLean, smiling on the boy, immediately noticed the difference in him.
This flushed, panting, talkative lad was not the same creature who had sought him in despair and bitterness.

He watched in wonder as Freckles mopped the perspiration from his forehead and began to laugh.