“I am surprised, dear, but the other idea I did not mean to convey. My surprise was because of Mr Caldwell’s well-known deliberation and caution.”
“Yes; the offer, even if it go no further, is a feather in Phil’s cap,” said Jem. “But Mr Caldwell is a shrewd old gentleman, though he be a little slow. He knows what he is about.”
“You look as though you expected to be contradicted, Jem,” said Violet, laughing.
“Is Philip pleased with the prospect? Will the thing go on?” asked Mrs Inglis.
“I think so. I hope so. It will be decided when Mr Oswald returns. Philip would have liked me to go with them—into their service, I mean, with the prospect of something better by and by.”
“And what did you say to him?” asked his mother.
“Of course you refused?” said Violet.
“I don’t know about that,” said Jem. “Davie had better think twice before he refuses such an offer. But Davie never did appreciate Philip.”
David laughed at Jem, and answered his mother.
“I told him all about it, mamma. He was disappointed, but he understood, I think.”