“There is one more objection to you, Gilbert,” said Mr. Vivian, seriously; “my wife thinks your presence may be a restraint upon us. She thinks you had better retire with Fred to some other part of the house.”
“You have got the joke upon me too,” said Mrs. Vivian. “I, too, was quite in the dark as to whom you had engaged. We don’t look upon Gilbert in the light of a stranger, but rather as one of the family.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Vivian,” said our hero, gratefully.
“Then it appears, Gilbert, that you will be allowed to practise your vocation here. I would suggest that a pair of spectacles would make your appearance more impressive and dignified.”
“I like you best as you are, Gilbert,” said Fred, putting his arm around the neck of his new tutor.
“And I too,” said Laura.
“Then I won’t go to the expense of spectacles,” said Gilbert. “Shall we begin now, Fred?”
Fred brought his arithmetic and slate, and Gilbert explained the sums in a familiar manner, making Fred do them himself.
“I understand them first-rate now,” said Fred, in a tone of satisfaction. “You’re a bully teacher, Gilbert.”
“Now, shall we take the Latin?” asked Gilbert. “I’ll try to be a bully teacher in that also.”