t. Here was a man whom he had met only
an hour before, already trying to borrow money from him. Schoolboys are
not likely to have money about them, but David did happen to have five
dollars in his pocket.

"Certainly," was all he said, as he handed over the money.

The transaction had only taken a moment and when David drew out the five
dollar bill, he was careful not to let anyone see him do it. However,
Mrs. Gray, who had been out of the room, returned at the very moment the
money was changing hands. In a flash she saw what her nephew had done.
Without stopping to think she made straight for the two young men.

"Tom Gray," she said, speaking too low for anyone except her nephew and
David to hear, "how dare you ask me for money and then borrow from one
of my guests? You are a disgrace to your father, and to the name of
Gray! I am ashamed of you and I command you to give that money back to
David instantly."

Tom Gray was as angry as his aunt. His face went from red to white, and
he looked as if he would like to break a vase or tear something to
pieces.

"'Eavens, awnt, don't make a scene. I wouldn't a' awsked 'im, h'if I
'adn't needed more money. I'll pay him to-morrow."

Mrs. Gray and David were too surprised to speak. It was plain that, when
Tom Gray was angry, he dropped his h's.

David looked at him curiously, then he drew the old lady's arm through
his.

"Don't bother, Mrs. Gray," he said. "It was only a small loan, and I was
glad to be of service. I believe Mr. Gray wants to go to bed now. He
just said he was very tired. Shall I take him up?"

"If you will," replied Mrs. Gray, quieting down. "His room is next
yours, David. Will you show him the way?"

"Young people," she said, going across to the boys and girls, who had
gathered around the fire and were laughing and talking in low voices,
"would you mind if we all went up early to-night? I feel a little out of
sorts--bewildered--I don't know what. Children change so as they grow
up," she added, sighing.

The poor old lady's eyes filled with tears. She slipped her arm around
Anne's waist.

"You will never change, my dear boys and girls. You will all grow into
fine men and women, I feel certain, and be devoted citizens of this
splendid country of ours, which has always been good enough for our
mothers and fathers, and ought to be quite good enough for us."

"Three cheers for America!" cried Hippy Wingate, giving his plump figure
a twist like a whirl