John."

"Ah, John Atherton, faithful friend, may every blessing be thine,"
said Mrs. Seaford, with trembling lips, to which Captain Seaford,
gently breathed, "Amen."

On the inside of the cover of the butter tub was tacked this note:

"A load of coal for winter comfort will arrive this afternoon. I
_couldn't_ bring it in the auto.
John."

"And see him make a joke by saying that he couldn't bring it in the
auto!" said Captain Seaford, "and thus try to make light of his
generosity. He doesn't blind us to his great goodness, though. He's
one man of a thousand!"

In the auto the three playmates were gaily talking, singing snatches
of blithe little songs, as they sped along the beach, on the way to
Avondale.

"I've loved to be with you before this trip," said Sprite, "but
sometimes I've longed to see home, but now that I'm to go there every
fortnight I'll be gay, and happy all the time. Oh, Mr. Atherton, I
thank you for promising that!"

"And in return, little Sprite, I'll ask a favor," he said. "Call me
'Uncle John,' just as Rose does, and Polly does the same."

"Oh, I will, I _will_!" she cried. "I've always wanted to."