Billy’s aunt succumbed.

“Oh, Joseph,” she said with almost a simper, “you are so masterful.”

“How would you like me for an uncle?” Miss Minerva’s affianced asked Billy a few minutes later.

“Fine an’ dandy,” was the answer, as the child wriggled himself out of his aunt’s embrace.  The enthusiastic reception accorded him, when he got off the train, was almost too much for the little boy.  He gazed at the pair in embarrassment.  He was for the moment disconcerted and overcome; in place of the expected scoldings and punishment, he was received with caresses and flattering consideration.  He could not understand it at all.

The Major put a hand on the little boy’s shoulder and smiled a kindly smile into his big, grey, astonished eyes as the happy lover delightedly whispered, “Your aunt Minerva is going to marry me to-morrow, Billy.”

“Pants an’ all?” asked William Green Hill.