The two younger children remained shut up in the schoolroom with Miss Meeke, diligently preparing for their home examination, that was to earn for them, if satisfactorily passed, many Christmas premiums and a long Christmas holiday.
And so the bright and kindly winter day passed.
When Col. Anglesea came home to dinner he found only Miss Meeke and the two little girls in the dining room.
Miss Meeke apologized for the absence of the ladies, pleading that Mrs. Force was suffering from indisposition, and that Miss Force was attending her; and with this explanation the governess took the head of the table.
Col. Anglesea politely expressed his regret, and then made himself as agreeable as possible to the remaining party.
It was so very late when Mr. Force returned that, finding the family had already taken tea, he declined the refreshment offered by Miss Meeke, and pleading fatigue, excused himself and retired, expressing his satisfaction, however, that the trial which had occupied so much of his time was at length happily concluded.
CHAPTER X
HUSBAND AND WIFE
Mr. Force was not obliged to ride to town the next day, for which he was thankful.