"How does it prove it, Joanna?" asked Miss Thomasine; but Miss Joanna merely glared at her through the gleaming spectacles.
Clement and Raymond came quickly into the house in response to their mother's call, followed closely by Theodora, who was fully prepared to find her aunts in the parlor, for she had seen the waiting carriage. The boys took off their caps, and politely shook hands with each of the ladies. Their manners were good, as even their natural enemies, the Misses Middleton, had always been forced to admit.
"Which of you were at Miss Middleton's house to-day?" asked Mrs. Hoyt.
"Clem, and I, and Arthur," said Raymond.
"Where is Arthur now?"
"He's round here somewhere. We left him here when we went off with Ted. She was on his wheel; and, mother, she rides as well as a fellow. She went right straight off instanter."
The three Misses Middleton groaned audibly, while their niece flushed with pleasure at this hearty praise. Mrs. Hoyt did not pause, however.
"I am afraid Arthur is hiding somewhere. I am quite sure he is in the room. Please look for him, as he has not the civility to come when his mother calls him."
Raymond and Clem made a dash for the back of the room, where they at once discovered the missing Arthur, and dragged him from his retreat. He came forward, banging his head and looking the picture of misery. His mother glanced at him reproachfully, upon seeing which Arthur looked more miserable still.