“Have you told Margaret about Norman’s plan?” asked Ethel.
“No; he desired me to say nothing. Indeed, I should not like Tom’s leaving school to be talked of beforehand.”
“Norman said he did not want Flora to hear, because she is so much with the Hoxton’s, and he said they would all watch him.”
“Ay, ay, and we must keep his secret. What a boy it is! But it is not safe to say conceited things. We shall have a fall yet, Ethel. Not seventeen, remember, and brought up at a mere grammar-school.”
“But we shall still have the spirit that made him try,” said Ethel, “and that is the thing.”
“And, to tell the truth,” said the doctor, lingering, “for my own part, I don’t care a rush for it!” and he dashed off to his work, while Ethel stood laughing.
“Papa was so very kind,” said Norman tremulously, when Ethel followed him to his room, to congratulate him on having gained his father’s assent, of which he had been more in doubt than she.
“And you see he quite approves of the scheme for Tom, except for thinking it disrespect to Bishop Whichcote. He said he only hoped Tom was worthy of it.”
“Tom!” cried Norman. “Take my word for it, Ethel, Tom will surprise you all. He will beat us all to nothing, I know!”
“If only he can be cured of—”