“I think,” she said gently, “I will say good-bye to you now, Boy. I am going out for a drive,—and you—you have to go for your exam., haven’t you?”
“Yes,”—and Boy glanced furtively at the clock,—“I’ve got to be there by three.”
“Well, it’s time you were off, then,” said the Major, somewhat gruffly. “I’ll walk with you part of the way.”
Boy scrambled about for a minute or two in search of his hat,—found it, and stuck it on his head.
“Good-bye!” he said, nodding at Miss Letty.
“Take your hat off, sir!” said the Major, bluntly.
Boy looked exceedingly foolish, and blushed deeply as he removed the offending ‘bowler.’ Miss Letty felt sorry for him, and came up in her own gracious, gentle manner to pat his shoulder, and to press a little knitted silk purse into his hand. She had made the purse, dear soul, herself, with loving thoughts as well as loving fingers.
“Good-bye, Boy!” she said, rather sadly. “This is just a little present—you can buy what you like with it. I hope you will pass your exam. If you have time will you let me know?”
“Oh yes,” said Boy, taking the purse, and cramming it into his pocket without a look, or a smile, or a ‘thank you,’—“as soon as I know myself. Good-bye!”
“Good-bye!” said Violet, without offering her hand this time.