So the matter was left in abeyance for the moment. Billy, in his casual way, told Mr. Trevelyan that Mrs. Hildreth hoped she could meet his sister before the dance, and Mr. Trevelyan bowed gravely and said his sister would certainly do herself the honor of calling on Mrs. Hildreth.
He bowed gravely again as he accepted Babbie’s invitation to go with them to Hampton Court. He seemed very familiar with the place, and John and Billy, who found English time-tables and tram-lines very confusing, sighed relieved sighs and let him direct the party.
“It’s fine having him along,” Billy declared. “He always knows where things are and how you get there and what there is to see. He’s as good as a regular guide, and at the same time he’s an addition to the party.”
“Without being an additional expense,” laughed John. “Pays his own way, doesn’t he?”
Billy nodded. “We sort of take turns. If I pay for our luncheons, he pays for dinner. Then I pay for the theatre and so on. It evens up in the end, and it’s less trouble among friends.”
“This expedition is to be a Dutch treat, you know,” John explained. “Babbie insisted that it must be that way.”
Billy felt in his pockets absently. “By George, that’s lucky for me, because I forgot to get a check cashed this morning. Can you lend me a little?”
John laughed. “I can’t. I forgot too, and I shall be doing well if I get back to London with a ’bus fare.”
They were standing on the terrace at Hampton Court, overlooking the river, with its gay row of house-boats anchored to the opposite shore. Trevelyan was with the girls and Mrs. Hildreth, pointing out the different boats and telling the names of their owners.
“I say, Trevelyan,” Billy hailed him, “can you finance me for the day, and maybe John, too? We’ve forgotten to get any checks cashed.”