“Let’s get out of this: we’ve had enough!”
A little more and our retreat would have been cut off, and we should have been obliged to submit to the unexpected ovation. Rapidly, before they could get into line to accompany us, we gained a cross street and hastened to the house, where the family were awaiting us. The shadow at the window told us of the disquietude which our absence had caused. Father gaily related what had happened, describing Tem’s intervention.
“Good fellow!” exclaimed Aunt Deen approvingly.
“Oh, he is a worse case than Mimi. The last few days he hasn’t even said good morning to me.”
“What business is it of his?” asked grandfather, who was troubled about the epidemic. “He is in no danger. He has never been a hard drinker.”
“Hark!” exclaimed mother—so quick to be fearful for us.
The expected clamour was certainly approaching; the sounds were growing more distinct; in a moment they would be intelligible.
“Oh, my God!” she added; “what is going to happen next!”
Father laughingly reassured her:
“This time, Valentine, they are cheering. It’s more than I asked for. This afternoon I was only fit for a ducking; this evening I am a saviour.”