"And so you spoiled her cuffs and collars for her. It was too bad altogether. I'm afraid there won't be much comfort for anybody in this house till you two get back to Grantley."
"Fuz," said Joe, "do you hear that? They're going to give us another term at Grantley."
"I don't care how soon we go, so we haven't got to board at old mother
Myers's."
"I can't say about that," said Mr. Hart. "I half made her a promise"—
"That we'd board there?" exclaimed Fuz rebelliously.
"Now, boys," said their mother, in a gentle voice, that sounded a little like good Mrs. Foster's; but Joe sustained his brother with,—
"Prison-fare, and not half enough of it. I just won't stand it another winter!"
"I'm not so sure it will be necessary, after all," said their father, who seemed to have dismissed Annie's grievance from his mind for the present. "Your cousin Ford is sure to go; and I'm almost certain of another boy, besides the missionary's son. If she gets a few others herself, her house'll be full enough, and you can board somewhere else."
"Hurrah for that!" shouted Fuz. "And, if the new house doesn't feed us well, we'll tear it down."
"If you don't tear ours down before you go, I'll be satisfied. Maria, you must write to your sister, and smooth the matter over. Boys will be boys, and I wouldn't like to have any coolness spring up. Mr. Foster'll understand it."