"But I haven't," Buff protested; "I'll know it's 1914 though it says 1911."
He put his diary into his safest pocket and asked if he might go to the station.
"Oh, I think not," his father said. "Why go into town this foggy morning?"
"He wants the 'hurl,'" said Elizabeth. "Arthur that's a new word for you. Father, we should make Arthur pass an examination and see what knowledge he has gathered. Let's draw up a paper:
I. What is—
(a) A Wee Free?
(b) A U.P.?
II. Show in what way the Kelvinside accent
differs from that of Pollokshields.
III. What is a 'hurl'?
I can't think of anything else. Anyway, I don't believe you could answer one of my questions, and I am only talking for talking's sake, because we are all so sad. By the way, when you say Good-bye to Marget and Ellen shake hands, will you? They expect it."
"Of course," said Arthur.
The servants came in for prayers.
Mr. Seton prayed for "travelling mercies" for the friend who was about to leave them to return to the great city.
"Here's the cab!" cried Buff, and rushed for his coat. His father followed him, and Arthur turned to Elizabeth.