"Oh, I like to oblige a friend," Reginald interrupted, "and you'll oblige me in return, won't you?" he asked. He was in the habit of making use of the younger boy on occasions, and hitherto Gerald had been satisfied to serve him.
"Oh yes!" was the ready response. "Do you want me to run an errand for you, or—"
"No, no; nothing of the kind. I want your company this evening. Come with me to the clay pits; several of the fish in my aquarium have died this week, and I must replace them. You always get better luck fishing than I do. You'll come?"
"I'm afraid I can't, Hope," Gerald answered, shaking his head. "I'll do anything else for you, but—"
"But I don't want you to do anything else! You said a moment ago you'd oblige me!"
"So I would in any way but this. You know I've been forbidden to go to the clay pits!"
"But you went there fishing with me once, and your father never found it out!"
"No; but Angel did," Gerald replied; then flushed hotly, and would have liked to be able to recall his words when he saw the look of intense scorn on his companion's face.
"Angel! And are you afraid of your sister?" Reginald asked, with a sneer.
"Not at all, not at all! That's not very likely! The fact is, father's in London now, and I promised him I'd spend my evenings at home till he returned. I'm afraid I can't go with you to-night, any way. I'm really very sorry, but you see how it is, don't you?"