Edgar had a much shorter holiday than his brothers and sisters. He had, however, both Easter Monday and Tuesday, and a fellow clerk having invited him to spend the time at his home in Hampshire, he went down with him on the Saturday afternoon and returned late on the following Tuesday. He came back full of pleasant recollections of his visit to the old-fashioned, comfortable farmhouse, where he had been so kindly and hospitably entertained.
His mother fearing that his work the next day in the close, noisy city would prove more irksome than usual, and that he might find the house quiet when he came in, purposely gave the children their tea early and sent them for a walk under Mary's care. But he looked so cheerful and bright that she knew at once he was neither weary nor depressed.
"Where's Giles?" were his first words.
"In the schoolroom, working away at the Latin exercise he intends asking you to correct presently," replied Mrs. Grainger. "The little ones have gone out with Mary. Sit down, dear, and take your tea."
Instead of obeying her, he put his arm round her shoulder, and, bending down over her, said,—
"There's no need to bother about Dr. Fowler's bill, mother dear. I've got a rise in my salary."
He received the sympathy he wanted, as he knew he should. After all he had found many compensations for the work that was so uncongenial to him.
"The tea must get cold to-night," he continued. "I must have a word or two with Giles before I do anything."
With that he went to the schoolroom, where he was welcomed with a very bright smile.
"You haven't had tea already, have you?" Giles asked.