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."

"You think so now," Mrs. Conway said with a smile. "You won't think so
when you are in the army, but will find a little extra allowance or a
tip now and then very welcome."

"I dare say I shall, mother," Ralph said, brightening. "Anyhow, if the
old gentle