The girls soon accepted the idea that Jack was not free to go about with them and made their plans without including him. Rosemary went nearly every day to see Miss Clinton, on some pretext or other, and Shirley often accompanied her. Rosemary was rapidly learning to knit the blocks for a bedspread with which she intended to surprise her mother. Sarah gave most of her time and attention to Bony, but she also visited the Gays though, in the excitement and pleasure of having Doctor Hugh at their beck and call, it is to be regretted that the Gay family were left more to themselves than Rosemary or her sisters intended.
Jack's irritation culminated in the second week of his contract. True to her promise, Mrs. Willis had asked the three boys to Sunday dinner and, under the mellowing influence of Winnie's best cooking and the friendly atmosphere of the little white house, the tension had relaxed and the afternoon spent on the porch had been restful for at least three of the group and happy for all.
"I'm going fishing to-morrow," announced Doctor Hugh, a night or two later. "The alarm clock is set for four and I'm coming home when the last nibble plays me false."
"Care if I go along?" said Jack impulsively. "I haven't had a bit of fishing since I've been here. I brought my rod and tackle in case I had a chance, but I haven't unpacked them yet."
The creak of the swing ceased suddenly. Warren had been swaying back and forth gently in the darkness.
"Why—no—come along, if it's all right," said the doctor, after a moment's hesitation.
"I'll meet you at the barn," promised Jack. "Gee, it will seem good to take a day off."
Still Warren said nothing. The three boys had said good night and walked almost to bungalow before he spoke.
"Are you really planning to go fishing tomorrow, Jack?" he asked quietly.
"Of course," said Jack shortly.