Mother was away this time too . I met Dick on the porch and took him into the parlour , thinking what a bully talk we could have all alone together , without Jill bothering around . But in a minute Aunt Tommy came in and she and Dick began to talk , and I just could n't get a word in edgewise . I got so disgusted I started out , but I do n't believe they ever noticed I was gone . I liked Aunt Tommy very well , but I did n't think she had any business to monopolize Dick like that when he and I were such old chums . Outside I came across Jill . She was sitting all alone in the dark , curled up on the edge of the verandah just where she could see into the parlour through the big glass door . I sat down beside her , for I wanted sympathy . `` Dick 's in there talking to Aunt Tommy , '' I said . `` I do n't see what makes him want to talk to her . '' `` What a goose you are ! '' said Jill in that aggravatingly patronizing way of hers . `` Why , Dick has fallen in love with Aunt Tommy ! '' Honest , I jumped . I never was so surprised . `` How do you know ? '' I asked . `` Because I do , '' said Jill . `` I knew it yesterday at church and I think it is so romantic . '' `` I do n't see how you can tell , '' I said -- and I did n't .
`` You 'll understand better when you get older , '' said XXXXX .
Dick Jill Mother Tommy chums edge parlour porch sympathy verandah