“I will,” said Gilbert, in a tone of quick decision. “If the doctor scolds, why let him.”
“He won’t feel anxious about your not being back, will he?” asked Mrs. Munford.
“No; he knows I can take pretty good care of myself. Besides, it will be a saving to him, all the more because I have a very good appetite.”
All laughed, for Dr. Burton, though on the whole a very worthy man, had the reputation of being what New Englanders call close. It was thought that he was more economical than he needed to be. At any rate he had made his school profitable, and was assessed for a very considerable sum in the list of village property-holders.
“How do you do, Mary?” said Gilbert, offering his hand to a girl of ten, John’s sister, who just then entered the room.
“Pretty well,” said Mary, shyly.
“Don’t blush so, Mary,” said John, teasing her as brothers are apt to do.
“I wasn’t blushing,” said Mary, indignantly.
“Just because Gilbert spoke to you.”
“You are too bad, John,” said his mother.