When it was known in school that Crawford and Henderson had been suspended, there was much wondering and speculation among the L. A. O. as to whether or no they would return and make the apology, and give the promise required. After the meeting at Crawford’s rooms, the Antis knew that the two boys would return, but they took good care not to let the L. A. O.’s know anything about the matter.
Every face in the room was full of eager interest and curiosity, as nine o’clock approached on the morning after the two weeks were ended.
When, after the opening exercises, Prof. Keene entered the room followed by Crawford and Henderson, there was a silence that could be felt. Every eye was fastened on the two boys, who stood with downcast faces while Prof. Keene said a few earnest words to the class.
In spite of their bravado, and the hidden purpose that sustained them, both boys found it more of an ordeal than they had anticipated to stand there and acknowledge that they had done wrong and were sorry for it, and to promise that they would endeavor from that time on to keep all the rules of the school, and give no further cause of complaint.
Some of the Antis began to clap, as the two slipped into their seats, but Prof. Keene stopped that instantly, remarking sternly that this was no occasion for applause.
During the remainder of the session, Mr. Horton threw more than one puzzled glance at the two boys. There was something in their faces that he could not understand, but they certainly gave him no cause for complaint, for they were models of good behavior.
The L. A. O.’s cast many curious and wondering glances at them also as the hours passed, and these two, who had so long been ringleaders in disorder, sat apparently unconscious of the half-subdued buzzing and whispering and laughter of their own set, who seemed to be intensely amused at this new state of things. And when not only Henderson, but Crawford as well, had perfect recitations in each study, the surprise of the L. A. O.’s was evident, to the ill-concealed delight of the Antis.
After school, Mr. Horton detained the two boys to say a few earnest words to them, and then to tell them how much pleasure their fine recitations and orderly deportment had given him. As he begged them to use their influence, which he knew to be great, on the side of law and order, Crawford hung his head and a flush of shame dyed his cheeks as he thought how little he deserved commendation; but Henderson looked boldly into his teacher’s eyes and coolly promised to do his best.
“I say, Henderson, you’re a bigger hypocrite than I am,” said Crawford, as they went down stairs.
“Oh, pshaw! What’s one lie more or less?” said the other coolly. “Besides, I’m going to be a model of good behavior now, you know—a perfect little lamb,” and he laughed at the remembrance of “Bobby’s” face, and the way they had “taken him in.”