"What," he said, "do you hear from John—and—er—Mark?"
Mrs. Eaton could have killed him. Mr. Ruggles might with no less insult have said, "If your family is as united as all that, why did the two older boys run away?"
"They are well," said Mrs. Eaton solidly. "We are looking forward to seeing them in the holidays."
This was Mr. Eaton's opportunity to make a fool of himself.
"You don't mean it!" he said excitedly. "You have had letters?"
Mrs. Eaton gave him a look which froze his marrow. "Yes," she said, "I have had letters."
Meanwhile the children in the far corner were taking stock of all that had happened since their last meeting.
"Is it true," said Alice, "that you are going to be a clergyman like your father?"
"So mother says."
"But when the time comes you'll run away like your brother did?"
Edward wriggled uncomfortably.
"Promise you will and maybe I'll run away with you."
"You wouldn't!"
"Dare me?"
