Oliver laughed.
"Not that I know of," he said. "I don't wonder you ask. I never saw such a change come over a man since yesterday. Then he wanted Roland to flog me. Now he is like an indulgent parent."
"It's queer, decidedly. I hope, for your sake, it'll hold out."
"So do I. Roland doesn't seem to fancy it, though. He tried hard to revive the quarrel of yesterday, but without success."
"He's an amiable cub, that Roland."
"Do you speak thus of your future brother-in-law?"
"Carrie would sooner be an old maid a dozen times over than give any encouragement to such a fellow."
All of which was pleasant for Oliver to hear.
Mr. Kenyon was not through with his surprises.
Two weeks before, Roland had a new suit of clothes. Oliver's envy had been a little excited, because he needed new clothes more than his step-brother, but he was too proud to give expression to his dissatisfaction or to ask for a similar favor. On the way home from school, in company with Frank Dudley, Oliver met Mr. Kenyon.