shrimps, and water-cress, and sardines, besides bread-and-butter galore,
and nice hot tea. Maria is making fresh tea now in the kitchen. Come
along in--do; you must be ravenous."

The boys stared at her. Ben forgot his anger; he was schoolboy enough to
thoroughly enjoy the delicious meal which Kathleen had prepared.

When it came to an end David jumped up impatiently.

"Where are you going, Dave?" asked Kathleen in an interested voice. She
wanted him to help her. She had hoped that he and she would go away to
the old loft together, and talk as they had done the night before. But
David was firm.

"I am going to the church," he said, "to practice on the organ. I only
get the chance three times a week, and I must not neglect it."

"David hopes to be no end of a swell some day," remarked Ben. "He thinks
he can make the instrument speak."

"And so can I," said Kathleen. "May I come with you, Dave?"

"Some day," he replied, looking at her kindly, "but not to-day. I'll be
back as soon as I can."

David did not notice her disappointed face; he went out immediately,
without even going upstairs first. Ben and Kathleen were now alone.
Kathleen looked at him attentively.

"I wonder--" she said slowly.