"Andy, I believe you are a good, truthful boy. I am sorry for you. You
deserve a better home. I don't believe you will ever have it with
your aunt."

"Half-aunt," muttered Marco.

"I do not consider you owe her any particular duty. You are not happy
with her?"

"No, ma'am, never," said Andy.

"And I believe you would be happy with us."

"Yes, I would," said Andy, with emotion. "I love the life here."

"Very well, go back to Fairview just as you have planned. Arrange your
affairs just as a clear conscience dictates to you. If fate leads you
back here, come to me directly. I will speak to the manager and ask him
to take you on with the show."

Tears of longing and gratefulness came to Andy's eyes. He could not stop
them.

"You are good, kind people," he said in a muffled tone. "If I never see
you again I shall never forget you."

Stella Starr kissed Andy on the cheek in a motherly way. Marco followed
the boy outside. He thumped him on the back with the farewell words,
uttered with emphasis: