"That's Miss Pompret," said Nan to Bert. "I heard mother say she was very rich."
"Is she?" asked Bert. "She looks kind of funny."
"That's 'cause she isn't married," returned Nan. "Some folks call her an old maid, but I don't think she's very old, even if her hair is white. Her face looks nice."
"Yes, but she looks kind of worried now," said Bert. "That's the way mother looks when she's worried."
They were in front of the house now, and could see Miss Pompret quite plainly. Certainly the elderly lady did look as though something troubled her.
"Good afternoon, Miss Pompret!" called Nan, as she was about to pass by. Bert took off his cap and bowed.
"Oh, you're half of the Bobbsey twins, aren't you?" asked Miss Pompret, with a smile. "I often see you go past. I only wish you were a little bigger."
"Bigger? Why?" asked Bert, in some surprise.
"Why, then," explained Miss Pompret,
