On the way Paul remembered that another Children's Special Service Mission had been in the air for that August. Dick Hartley had urged it. Well, it was no longer in the air.
(3)
Paul met his parents on the station platform. Mr. Kestern shook his hand firmly; his mother kissed him with tears of pride in her eyes. "Oh, Paul," she whispered, "I'm so glad. Father's just delighted."
"The Lord has given you brains, sonnie," said the clergyman. "I pray that you will use them always in His service."
"Yes, father," said Paul. "I say, I've such news for you."
"So have we, Paul," said Mrs. Kestern. "Madeline and Mr. Ernest are coming up to see you take your degree."
"Are they? How jolly! We'll have a picnic up the river. But you'll never guess what I've got to tell you. Wait till we're in the cab. Porter, lend a hand with these traps, will you? I've got rooms for you quite near St. Mary's, mother."
"Yes, dear. Oh, Paul, I can't believe you're grown up! It's so funny to have my little son taking rooms for me."
Paul took her arm. "But, mater dear, I wish you would remember how old I am."
Mrs. Kestern sighed. "We don't want to lose you, dear," she said wistfully.