“That does not sound very cheerful, mother.  An old gentleman with two old ladies alone in the house can’t make much fun.”

“He is not an old gentleman, Ralph,” Mrs. Conway said almost angrily.  “I told you we were young people together.  Still it may not be very lively for you, but you must put up with that.  He evidently means to be very kind to you, and it will be of great advantage to you going down to stay with him.”

“But what are you going to do with yourself, mother, all alone here?  I think he might have asked you as well as me.”

“I shall do very well, Ralph.  I have plenty of friends here.”

“Where does Mr. Penfold live, mother?”

“Down in Dorsetshire.  It is a very nice place, and only about a mile from the sea.  But, as I say, I do not expect you will find it lively; but that you mustn’t mind.  It will be a very good thing for you, and will be well worth your while putting up with a little dullness for a time.  Mr. Penfold is one of the kindest of men, but I do not think you will like his sisters much.  Certainly you will not unless they are a good deal changed from what they were as I remember them.  Still you must try to get on with them as well as you can, and I dare say you will find some pleasant companions in the neighborhood.  I am sure you will do your best when I tell you that I am most anxious for many reasons that Mr. Penfold should like you.”

“Of course I will do my best, mother, though I must say that the lookout is not, according to your description, a very cheerful one, and I would a deal rather stop at home with you.”

“We can’t always do exactly as we like, Ralph; though that is a lesson you have as yet to learn.  What day did you say your holidays began?”

“Next Monday week, mother.  But I do hope I may have two or three days’ sailing with Joe Knight the fisherman before I go.”

“Mr. Penfold says he will be glad to see you as soon as your holidays begin, Ralph; still I suppose a day or two will make no difference, so we will settle that you shall go on Friday.  As you go down to school this afternoon you had better tell Rogerson the tailor to come up this evening to measure you for a suit of clothes.  You must look decent when you go down; and you know except your Sunday suit, you have got nothing fit to wear in such a house as that.”

“I am afraid it’s going to be a horrible nuisance altogether,” Ralph said ruefully.  “However, I suppose it’s got to be done as you say so, mother; though it’s hard breaking in on my holidays like that.  He might just as well have asked me in school-time.  One could have put up with it ever so much better if it took one out of old Harper’s clutches for a bit.  How long am I to stay there?”

“I expect the greater part of your holidays, Ralph.  I think he wants to get to know all about you.”

Ralph groaned loudly.  “He may intend very kindly,” he said; “but I wish he would keep his good intentions to himself.”