At this remark Tommy grew very red, but kept quite still, while Gordon winked at June. Poor Tommy was the only one of the children not excused from examination, and while his grades were not low, he felt much disgraced. Another year would probably find young Thomas taking his studies more seriously.
“And what do you do after orchestra practice tonight?” inquired Dr. Lancaster.
“Well, I get my last Caesar lesson,—hurrah!—and I thought I might begin to copy your article for you, Father, unless Mother wants me to do something else.”
“No typewriting tonight, daughter, both for your sake and that of the official board.”
“Eat your supper, dear child,” said Mrs. Lancaster. “Aren’t these the finest strawberries? Mr. Short brought them in from the country this morning,—his choicest berries!”
“Sometimes it does pay to be the minister’s family, doesn’t it?” laughed Hilary. “And your grand cake! How could you bake it when it was so hot?”
“Another donation, my dear; that is Mrs. Blake’s cake.”
“Ours now,” put in Gordon between bites.
“This is a good time, Mother,” said Dr. Lancaster, “to tell Hilary about Aunt Hilary’s letter. It would seem that she is right about Hilary’s busy life.”
The effect of the news upon the children was varied. All exclaimed and looked at Hilary, who hardly knew at first whether to be glad or sorry, provided the plan was adopted. She caught her breath in astonishment.