After a long period of quiet, the boy spoke a little more quietly: “Never mind, mother, you have Helen and me.”
“I am happy in my riches,” answered the mother proudly. 92
When they reached home, both of them began to get the supper ready so that Helen would not have to wait. A brilliant idea came to Ted as they prepared. “Mother,” he said excitedly, “let’s not eat at home tonight. We are going to the theater, so let us have supper out.”
At first the mother demurred, but she gave way—there was great temptation in the unusual treat. When Helen came home and was told the plan she was even more excited than they; it was so unusual an adventure. You can readily believe that it was a happy party of three that repaired to one of the many nice restaurants in the loop and afterward to the theater. They did not reach home until late in the night. On the way home they discussed what the news could be that Strong would have for Ted.
The next day Ted spent at the Settlement, renewing old acquaintances. Miss White, who had taken Mrs. Dean’s place, was glad to see him and gave him a hearty welcome. She was greatly interested in his story of his year in the West and wanted to know all about Mrs. Dean. It was a great day for Ted and the pleasantest of his stay in Chicago. 93
On his way home that night Ted began to wish for Wayland. He had not realized how much the place meant to him until now, Syd Graham and the rest of the boys seemed very dear, very desirable.
“I hope,” he said to himself, “that nothing will keep me from going on Saturday.”