“Oh yes!” said Auntie Clara with eager benevolence. “I’ve got something to say about that to my nephew.”
Mr Clayhanger searched in a pocket of his alpaca, and drew forth an open envelope.
“Here’s the lad’s report, auntie,” said he. “Happen ye’d like to look at it.”
“I should indeed!” she replied fervently. “I’m sure it’s a very good one.”
Four.
She took the paper, and assumed her spectacles.
“Conduct—Excellent,” she read, poring with enthusiasm over the document. And she read again: “Conduct—Excellent.” Then she went down the list of subjects, declaiming the number of marks for each; and at the end she read: “Position in class next term: Third. Splendid, Eddy!” she exclaimed.
“I thought you were second,” said Clara, in her sharp manner.
Edwin blushed again, and hesitated.