Chris tried to forget George's invitation, and for the rest of the day, he busied himself in various employments. He knew he was feeling disappointed and cross, but he endeavoured to be cheerful.
After all, he reminded himself, he was only carrying out his mother's wishes, and she was dearer to him than a dozen Georges.
[CHAPTER XII]
Inez's Vow
It was three o'clock in the afternoon. The children were feeling rather tired: were all under the shade of the big tree on the lawn. They had had their paper-chase, and now Inez was proposing a bonfire at the end of the garden.
"Old Foster won't like it," said Chris.
"Well, we'll have a fire of some sort. I know! We'll have one in the middle of the grass, and be gipsies. We'll roast potatoes and boil the kettle for tea."
Inez sprang to her feet as the inspiration seized her.
"I don't believe Mrs. Tubbs will let us," said Diana. "She wouldn't let us have our dinner out here as we wanted to."
"We won't tell her, and she won't see us till we've done it. Let's pick up all the sticks we can!"