[CHAPTER XVIII]
CONFIDENCES
“Teddy Burke, I was never so glad in all my life as when Miss Verne called you to the piano, this morning!” exclaimed Harry, as he and Teddy passed out the door that night and stepped into the street. It was the first opportunity the two boys had had for conversation since Teddy’s remarkable vocal demonstration that morning.
“I was never so su’prised in my life,” returned Teddy, almost sheepishly. “I forgot all about the other fellows. I learned that song from hearing my mother sing it. I didn’t know everybody’d stopped singing till I quit singing myself.”
“I hadn’t any idea you could sing like that,” praised Harry, warmly.
“Oh, I’m not so much. I guess there are a lot of fellows in school that can sing better’n I can.”
“I don’t believe it. Your voice is—is just splendid.” Harry glowed with enthusiasm. “I’m so glad everything is going so well for you, Ted.”
“It’s you that ought to have things fine and dandy,” retorted Teddy, in a burst of loyalty. “If it hadn’t been for you I’d of hated school, and acted up and been discharged from the store long ago.”
Harry’s earnest face flushed with pleasure. Teddy’s good opinion was very sweet. There were at least three persons who believed in him, Teddy, Mr. Rexford and Miss Welch.
“It’s a shame you have to work for that cranky old aisle man,” continued Teddy. “Why don’t you ask to be transferred? You didn’t talk to Mr. Marsh. You said you were going to, you know.”