As good as his word, Dan was up to accompany Isabel to the James Allen School, which is situated in Dulwich Grove, and they had one of their own “chummy” talks.
Dan boasted of his riches, and told Isabel that he was getting on so well that she would not need to teach.
She turned a bright face to him, exclaiming: “I won’t give up my independence, Dan! And I love teaching—and just think what it would be to stay at home all day! I should soon become as fidgety as Aunt Lizzie! Dan, you must learn not to notice what she says. She is like Martha—‘troubled about many things’; but I can’t sufficiently admire her unselfish devotion. Lots of people can say nice things, but few people do as many nice things as Aunt Lizzie. She will renovate my gowns for me, and she takes no end of pains to make them look quite up-to-date. As to mother, she looks after her with a patience that would shame many so-called tender nurses.”
“It is all true,” agreed Dan, “but she is an aggravater, all the same. Do you know, when I leave you at the school, I shall go into Sydney Grove and see Colonel Lane. It is quite close. Did you see him when he called? He is an awfully nice old fellow. His daughter is staying with the Barrimores while he is here.”
“No, I was not at home when he called,” said Isabel. “But you must ask him in to supper, and we can go to the studio afterwards.”
“Just what I was intending to do,” he answered. “And to revert to gowns—you have got to let me give you a nice ‘rig’ for the winter—a frock, and hat, and some furs. We will go to Jones and Higgins’ shop at Peckham on Saturday.”
Isabel protested.
“I never argue,” he told her. “I am the master, recollect, and I am in funds. You will have to advise me what to get for mother too. I am determined to make Aunt Lizzie have something. I shall tell her that if she doesn’t, I’ll make a frightful mess with my bath every morning and refuse to rub my shoes when I come in.”
“That ought to have its effect,” laughed Isabel. “But here we are at the school, so good-bye till to-night.”
Dan made his way to Sydney Grove, and Colonel Lane was delighted to see him.