“Do you see?” he said; “they’re not coming back—not till after Christmas. Charlotte, you’re sure of the German prize.”
Charlotte’s face lighted up.
“I did not notice that,” she said; “I thought she said something about staying a few days.”
“No,” said Jerry, “she says, ‘We shall not return to Silverthorns till after Christmas, perhaps a few days after, and perhaps not so soon.’”
Charlotte drew a deep breath.
“I see,” she said. “My composition is nearly finished. Oh, Jerry, how I hope I shall get the prize now.”
“You are sure to,” he said shortly.
“Unless,” Charlotte went on, “unless she possibly finishes it there, and sends it back by post.”
“Nonsense,” said Jerry; “I am sure she won’t. She wouldn’t have time for one thing, and—”
“What?”