Mrs. Gray and David were too surprised to speak. It was plain that, when Tom Gray was angry, he dropped his h's.
David looked at him curiously, then he drew the old lady's arm through his.
"Don't bother, Mrs. Gray," he said. "It was only a small loan, and I was glad to be of service. I believe Mr. Gray wants to go to bed now. He just said he was very tired. Shall I take him up?"
"If you will," replied Mrs. Gray, quieting down. "His room is next yours, David. Will you show him the way?"
"Young people," she said, going across to the boys and girls, who had gathered around the fire and were laughing and talking in low voices, "would you mind if we all went up early to-night? I feel a little out of sorts—bewildered—I don't know what. Children change so as they grow up," she added, sighing.
The poor old lady's eyes filled with tears. She slipped her arm around Anne's waist.
"You will never change, my dear boys and girls. You will all grow into fine men and women, I feel certain, and be devoted citizens of this splendid country of ours, which has always been good enough for our mothers and fathers, and ought to be quite good enough for us."
"Three cheers for America!" cried Hippy Wingate, giving his plump figure a twist like a whirling dervish.
Mrs. Gray laughed.
"Yes, indeed, my dears, America is a splendid country and every American should be proud to say so."