'Indeed,' said Wilmet, 'no one has deserved a holiday more than you, Clement! You have done your best.'
This—almost the first home praise or thanks that had fallen to his lot—elicited that real grace of humility for which poor self-conscious Clement really strove. 'I have tried, Mettie,' he said, with tears in his eyes; 'but it was not as if it had been one of the others. There must be something very wrong about me, to make me so disagreeable.'
'You have gained two hearts,' said Wilmet, 'Sibby's and this little fellow's.'
For Theodore had attached himself limpet fashion to Clement, who with difficulty piled his books so as to leave a hand free for him.
'He had better come with me,' said Wilmet; 'your reading must have been dreadfully interrupted.'
'It has, rather,' said Clement, whose examination was in alarming proximity; 'but I don't mind him, I can work to his tunes as well as Felix can; and all is right now you are come.'
That was the burthen of every one's song. It came next from Cherry, whom she found in her own room; 'There was so much bustle in the sitting-room,' she said.
'My dear, you have gone through a great deal!'
'"There's nae luck about the house when our gude man's awa',"' said Cherry. 'Clem played and whistled that so often, that Alda begged never to hear it again; but unluckily Tedo had caught it, and I don't think she quite believes he doesn't hum it on purpose! But now, how delicious it is to have got at least our gude woman! And, oh dear! Wilmet, I beg your pardon; but you do look so lovely, I can't help telling you so! or is it the pleasure of seeing you?'
'My poor Cherry! I did not think half enough about you.'