But there was fresh delay. Arrangements to return could not be made so easily as Captain Lovell anticipated. It was seven months from the day Mrs. Middleton reached England when Captain Lovell was driven to his hotel in London. Meanwhile events had occurred which were to have an effect upon Mrs. Middleton's plans.
CHAPTER XXXIV. TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS.
"Tony," said George Spencer one evening, "you have been making wonderful progress in your studies. In six months you have accomplished as much as I did at boarding school in two years when at your age."
"Do you really mean it, Mr. Spencer?" said Tony, gratified.
"I am quite in earnest."
"I am very glad of it," said Tony. "When I began I was almost discouraged. I was so much behind boys of my age."
"And now your attainments raise you above the average. Your tutor told me so yesterday when I made inquiries."
"I am rejoiced to hear it, Mr. Spencer, I was very much ashamed of myself at first, and I did not like to speak before your friends for fear they would find out what sort of a life I led. That is what made me work so hard."