CHAPTER VI
A RIFT IN HER HAPPINESS
As they came down Hillside Avenue, past the cornfields and Walky Dexter’s outlying barns and sheds, Janice caught sight of a figure turning out of the gate of the old Day place.
“Oh, there’s Nelson!” ejaculated the girl, before she thought.
“Nelson who?” queried Frank lightly.
“Mr. Haley. He’s principal of the school here in Polktown,” replied Janice more quietly.
“He’s been calling on you and you weren’t at home, eh?” laughed Frank Bowman.
“He is often at the house,” Janice thought it necessary to explain. “Marty is one of his favorite pupils, and my uncle and aunt are quite fond of Mr. Haley. He is really very popular in Polktown, for in a short time he has made our new school greatly appreciated.”
“He’s won his spurs, then, has he?” said Frank Bowman, rather wistfully. “And I have mine to win yet! This job I have obtained with the V. C. is my first.”
“I should think,” Janice said demurely, “that both you and Mr. Haley have plenty of time yet to win your spurs. I see no gray hairs in either your head or his.”
“A hit—a palpable hit!” answered Frank, laughing. “But after a fellow has spent three or four years at college, he feels old. Youth, however, is a disease they tell me Time will always cure.”