"I declare, Theo, I don't know how we are to do without you when you
go back home," exclaimed Mr. Croyden one night at dinner. "It will
leave a big hole in the house, won't it, Madeline?"
Mrs. Croyden nodded and a shadow passed across her face.
"I wish we might borrow Theo for a long, long time," she sighed
wistfully. "But I suppose your family would not listen to that,
laddie."
"I'm afraid not," Theo answered. "Mother seems to be getting a little
impatient as it is. She thinks I've been gone a pretty long time."
"Long? Nonsense! Why, you've only just come," Mr. Croyden said
emphatically. "Up to now you have been visiting Mrs. Croyden. You
haven't been my guest at all. Haven't we got the porcelain works ahead
of us? That will take the best part of another week."
"Then I am afraid I'd better be getting at it," laughed Theo, "for
Mother writes we're to leave for Lake George the middle of July."
"Mercy on us!" blustered Mr. Croyden. "I don't see how you can. The
middle of July? That settles it. There must be no more kidnapping
Theo for golf or tennis, Madeline. From now on he is to be my
guest. Understand that."
Mrs. Croyden bowed her head with amusing meekness.
Pages:
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170