I asked . `` It always does in novels , '' said Jill . And that settled it , of course . Jill and I fixed up what I was to say and Jill made me say it over and over again to be sure I had it right . I told her -- sarcastically -- that she 'd better say it herself and then it would be done properly . Jill said she would if it were Aunt Tommy , but when it was Dick it was better for a man to do it . So of course I agreed . I did n't know when I would have a chance to stir Dick up , but Providence -- so Jill said -- favoured us . Aunt Tommy did n't expect Dick down the next night , so she and Father and Mother all went away somewhere . Dick came after all , and Jill sent me into the parlour to tell him . He was standing before the mantel looking at Aunt Tommy 's picture . There was such an adoring look in his eyes . I could see it quite plain in the mirror before him . I practised that look a lot before my own glass after that -- because I thought it might come in handy some time , you know -- but I guess I could n't have got it just right because when I tried it on Jill she asked me if I had a pain . `` Well , Jack , old man , '' said Dick , sitting down on the sofa . I sat down before him . `` Aunt Tommy is out , '' I said , to get the worst over . `` I guess you like Aunt Tommy pretty well , do n't you , Mr. Richmond ? '' `` Yes , '' said Dick softly . `` So do other men , '' I said -- mysterious , as Jill had ordered me .
XXXXX thumped one of the sofa pillows .
Dick Father Jack Jill Mother Providence Richmond Tommy parlour right