It had been almost a month since Harold Hill had turned over a new leaf and decided to stick around River City. After his unexpected success leading River's City's first and only boys' band, the con artist-turned-conductor had even gone so far as to inquire about continuing with the band and possibly going in to some form of musical trade. When he wasn't discussing plans for the boys' band with Marcellus, he could generally be found in the company of the town's librarian, Marian Paroo.

Ever since he had confessed his true feelings that fateful night of the Ice Cream Sociable, Harold had been a most-attentive suitor, arriving at the steps of the library every evening to escort Miss Marian to the front gate of her home. More often than not, Mrs. Paroo would invite the Professor inside for a glass of lemonade and conversation.

Ever conscious of society's strictures, the new couple tried their best to maintain an acceptable distance when in the company of others and not stray away for too long when they chanced to capture a few moments alone. But, as Harold had so charmingly told Marian one evening after patiently spending two hours in the company of the Ladies Dance Committee and then leaving under their watchful eye, "sometimes a fella wants a little bit of time with his best girl away from prying eyes."

Marian had, of course, blushed and lightly swatted him on the arm, but didn't shy away when he leaned in for a gentle kiss to prove his point.

But tonight, it seemed as if fate, or at least Mrs. Paroo, was willing to lend them a hand. After an entertaining evening of Parcheesi with Marian, Harold and Winthrop, Mrs. Paroo returned from the kitchen where she had just finished tidying up the evening's dishes. Harold and Marian were discussing what music to select for the band's first official rehearsal while Winthrop lay on the floor leafing through a book Marian had brought him from the library earlier that evening. Eyeing the couple as they gave each other small smiles every time their fingertips brushed, Mrs. Paroo came to a quick decision.

"Come along, Winthrop. It's time to prepare for bed. Say goodnight to your sister and the Professor."

This dictate was received with a slight questioning glance from her son, but Winthrop, ever obedient, obligingly got up from the floor and wrapped his small arms around his sister's neck. Marian smiled and returned the gesture, pulling the young boy closer to her. "Goodnight, Winthrop. I love you very much," she told him and squeezed him tightly.

Winthrop smiled and ducked his head, slightly embarrassed by her words. After she released him, he turned to Professor Hill who grinned winningly at the boy and bade him goodnight. Harold, who had become a regular fixture at the Paroo home during the past month, had become accustomed to simply wishing Marian's little brother goodnight and then watching him retreat upstairs. So, it came as a bit of surprise when Winthrop suddenly threw his arms around Harold's neck and gave him a quick, but heartfelt, hug. Harold barely had time to return the gesture before Winthrop released him and scampered up the stairs.

Mrs. Paroo stared at him in stunned amazement for a moment and then shook her head and smiled. "Well blessed St. Nicholas! You never cease to amaze me, Professor Hill."

Harold, sporting his own look of incredulity, shook his head in mild disbelief. "To tell you the truth, I'm a bit stunned myself." He glanced over at Marian to find her watching him with bright eyes and a glowing smile. "After everything that happened, I wasn't certain how long it would take before I was completely forgiven," he confessed.

Mrs. Paroo chuckled and followed her son out of the parlor. "Well, if that's any indication, I'd say that it's resolved. You're part of the family now, my boy," she called back to Harold. "Now, you just need to make it official!"

Marian's scandalized, "Mama!" and accompanying blush were lost on the older woman as she rounded the landing upstairs and disappeared around the corner.