“And I’ll give you something to make your wigwam with to-morrow, dear,” she went on.
“Thank you,” said William.
“And if you want to practise your mouth-organ in the mornings it doesn’t matter a bit.”
“Thank you,” said William in a small, martyred voice.
*****
The next evening William walked happily down the road. It had been a very pleasant day. Miss Drew had done most of his work for him at school. He had been treated at lunch by his family with a consideration that was quite unusual. He had been entreated to have all that was left of the trifle while the rest of the family had stewed prunes.
In the garden of the little cottage was Miss Tabitha Croft and the tall, stooping man.
“Oh, this is William,” said Miss Tabitha. “William is a great friend of mine!”
“I saw William yesterday,” said the man. “William must certainly come to the wedding.”
“William,” said Miss Croft, “it was kind of you to take my place yesterday. Did you manage all right?”