Part 15 (1/2)
”I rather think that was rough on William Philander,” remarked d.i.c.k, with a serious shake of his head.
”Oh, he has got to be taken down somehow,” replied Tom, ”That's right,” added Stanley. ”Why, the way he acts towards some of the fellows is outrageous. Just because they don't dress as well as he does he thinks them beneath his notice.”
”And I wouldn't waste any sympathy on that girl,” put in Spud. ”She is as bad as Tubby, when it comes to cutting the fellows she doesn't care to know.”
”Well, I guess it will all pa.s.s over,” remarked Sam. And it must have, for a few days later William Philander and Clarabel Ruggles were seen out driving together and apparently as friendly as over. The dudish student had sent the young lady a letter stating he thought some of his fellow collegians had doctored the box of candy, and this explanation was accepted by the girl and her aunt. Then William Philander sent the girl some candy he was sure was all right, and also a big bouquet of roses; and that was the end of the unpleasantness.
It must not be thought that in those days the girls at Hope Seminary were forgotten. Whenever the Rover boys got a chance they visited the place, and many a nice time they and the girls had together. On those occasions d.i.c.k and Dora would roam off together, the others making no attempt to follow them, and the pair would plan the many things they hoped to do in the future.
”You have not heard from Josiah Crabtree, have you?” questioned d.i.c.k, on one of these visits.
”Not a word--and I don't want to hear from him,” replied Dora.
”He's in hiding, but he'll let us hear from him sooner or later--mark my words.”
”Oh, I wish he hadn't escaped, d.i.c.k!” And Dora clung tightly to his arm.
”Well, that can't be helped.”
”Is there anything new about your father's business?”
”Nothing of any importance.”
”How does he feel?”
”In his last letter he said he felt somewhat better and was going to take a trip to New York. How is your mother?”
”Quite well. But the fact that old Crabtree is at large disturbs her very much. As soon as she heard of it, she went over to the Lanings'
home to stay.”
The boys had driven over to Hope in a carriage. When they started to return to Brill it was quite dark.
”We've got to hurry up,” remarked Tom, as they rode away, Sam driving the team.
”Why so?” asked d.i.c.k. ”We have no boning to do to-night.”
”Have you forgotten the spread Bob Grimes is going to give? He said it was to be the finest yet given at Brill, and I don't want to miss it.”
”That's so!” cried d.i.c.k. ”Sure, we want to be on hand, since we are invited. Bob is a first-cla.s.s fellow.”
”Queer we forgot about that feast,” murmured Sam. ”But I suppose we were thinking too much of the girls,” and he grinned sheepishly.
”What time is the spread to come off, Tom?” asked his big brother.
”Ten o'clock sharp, so Bob said.”
”In his room?”
”His room and the one next to it. They connect, you know.”