It was the hope of both Mr. and Mrs. Markham that they might keep the full import of the failure from Fred, and in accordance with the plan agreed upon between husband and wife when the former set out on his trip—taken in reality to obtain a position—the woman replied:
"Your father has gone on business, Fred." And then, in an effort to divert his mind from such dangerous ground, she continued: "How did school start? Are there any new boys in your Form?"
Fred, however, was not turned so easily from his object, and, without reply to his mother's questions, said:
"But if he has failed, I don't see how he has any business."
Realizing that her attempt to change the conversation was futile, Mrs. Markham replied:
"He has gone to obtain a position, if possible."
This information appeared to Fred partially to confirm what his rival had said, and it was with a very shaky voice he murmured:
"I'm sorry he went without talking to me."
During this conversation, neither mother nor son had more than tasted the delicious dinner that was growing cold on the table before them, and in one more attempt to divert Fred's thoughts, Mrs. Markham said:
"You will never make your football team if you don't eat."