“I’m glad you said that,” answered Mary, “because⁠—because⁠—”

Quite suddenly it came into her mind that this was the minute to tell him. Colin knew something new was coming.

“Because what?” he cried eagerly.

Mary was so anxious that she got up from her stool and came to him and caught hold of both his hands.

“Can I trust you? I trusted Dickon because birds trusted him. Can I trust you⁠—for sure⁠— for sure ?” she implored.

Her face was so solemn that he almost whispered his answer.

“Yes⁠—yes!”

“Well, Dickon will come to see you tomorrow morning, and he’ll bring his creatures with him.”