"Margie, you'd better look out for mother," laughed Phyllis Baxter, and merrily they watched as the two schemers started to get Mrs. Markham.
At the sight of her old friend, Fred's mother was overjoyed, and after a few objections she consented to accompany them.
But her real pleasure came in the delight with which the young people and Buttons' mother and father greeted her.
After the supper, the older people chatted while the young folks danced, and it was with reluctance they finally went home.
The next few days were a round of gaiety attendant upon the graduation of the First Form, after which the young people settled down to their summer life.
The money from the scholarship had all but been used up, despite the rigid economy experienced by Mrs. Markham; and with the freedom from his studies, Fred decided to go to work.
Setting out with never a word of his purpose to his mother, the boy was walking down Main Street, wondering to whom he should apply, when in passing the bank, he noticed that an assistant clerk was wanted.
Resolutely he entered and stated his object to Mr. Herring, the cashier.
"You'll have to see Mr. Montgomery," said the official. "He happens to be in his office now. Come in, and I will speak a good word for you."
But Fred was not prepared for the reception he received.