He had succeeded in gaining a scholarship at the Medical School of
his father's former hospital, and this, with the remains of the price
of his commission, still made him the rich man of the family. John
was of course going home, and Mrs. Brownlow and the two younger ones
had a warm invitation from their friends at Fordham.
"I should like Armie to go," said the mother in conference with
Babie, her cabinet councillor.
"O yes, Armie must go," said Babie, "but—-"
"Then it will not disappoint you to stay at home, my dear?"
"I had much rather not go, if Sydney will not mind very much."
"Well, Babie, I had resolved to stay here this summer, and I thought
you would not wish to go without me."
"O no, no, NO, NO, mother," and her face and neck burnt with blushes.
"Then my Infanta and I will be thoroughly cosy together, and get some
surprises ready for the others."
"Hurrah! We'll do the painting of the doors. What fun it will be to
see London empty."
The male population were horribly scandalised at the decision. Jock
and Armine wanted to give up their journey, and John implored his
aunt to come to Kencroft; but she only promised to send Babie there
if she saw signs of flagging, and the Infanta laughed at the notion,
and said she had had an overdose of country enough to last her for
years.
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