A Fine Surprise

Three excited boys stood on a station platform, waiting for a train to come in.

“The train’s late,” said Mike, impatiently. “Five minutes late already.”

“I’m going to tell the girls the news,” said Jack.

“I’m going to tell them!” said Prince Paul, his big dark eyes glowing. “It’s my news, not yours.”

“All right, all right,” said Mike. “You tell Nora and Peggy then, but don’t be too long about it or I shall simply have to burst in!”

The three boys were waiting for Nora and Peggy to come back from their boarding-school for the summer holidays. Mike, Jack and Prince Paul all went to the same boys’ boarding-school, and they had broken up the day before. Mike was the twin brother of Nora, and Peggy was his other sister, a year older than Mike and Nora.