“I don’t believe you will,” Stacey replied. “I am sure it’s a great comfort to know that you care for me a little; it’s a great deal better than I expected.”
“Did I say so? I didn’t mean to,” Milly exclaimed in consternation.
“No, you haven’t committed yourself to anything, but you have intimated that I may ask you again after I have graduated from Harvard. And since I desire that time to come as soon as possible, I presume I have your permission to give up the tennis tournament and go on preparing for my examinations.”
“Yes, certainly. But I’m sorry for the Home. I don’t quite see how we are going to raise the money for the annex. Still, I suppose, as students, our first duty is to our studies.”
“Exactly. But vacation is coming and we will see what we can do for the Home then. If your mother will only postpone the time I will see if I can get the boys together in July.”
The old butler came in at this juncture with a tray of ices. He was followed by Mr. Van Silver, who protested against his introducing “coolness” between old friends, but who remained all the same, and spoiled their opportunity for any further conversation on the subject uppermost in Stacey’s mind.
“I’ve an idea, Stacey,” said Mr. Van Silver. “I want you to go to Europe with me this summer. You’d enjoy the trip I propose to make among the Scottish hills and lakes. I know your parents will approve, for it will be a regular education for you, especially with my improving society thrown in.” Mr. Van Silver winked as he said this, and he was greatly surprised when Stacey answered promptly:
“Awfully kind of you, Mr. Van Silver, but I can’t go possibly.”
“Why not?”
“Well, first of all, I’m bound to be conditioned on some of my studies at my Harvard examinations, and I shall have to coach all summer in a less agreeable way than the one which you suggest. Then I have engaged to get up a tennis tournament at the Pier——”