“I meant in the way of shoes,” explained Mr. Blake. “Shiny rubbers, or high boots?”
But Roger selected a warm little pair of red felt slippers, in view, perhaps, of approaching winter weather.
The parting with Lydia was very hard. Roger wouldn’t and couldn’t understand why he must be separated from his friend, though Miss Martin explained it in the kindest and simplest way.
So Lydia, almost in tears herself, said good-bye, for Mr. Blake would not let her slip away when Roger’s back was turned.
“We mustn’t deceive him,” said he. “He must learn he is among friends he can trust.”
“I’ll come and see you to-morrow,” whispered Lydia, with a last warm hug. “I promise.”
And with that bit of comfort, Lydia went home.
[CHAPTER XII—Roger Comes Home]
“Mother, how long was I away?” asked Lydia that night after supper.
The evenings grew cool now, and Mrs. Blake and Lydia were sitting indoors, while Mr. Blake walked up and down the gravel path, finishing his cigar. Lydia, on the window-seat, watched the red spark moving to and fro, while Mrs. Blake, with cheeks as pale as her soft white shawl, sat in the lamplight with a book on her lap.