Part 18 (1/2)

Theo's face fell

”He must take it,” he said, ”even if I walk to Trentontouring car

Mr Croyden did, to be sure, coly about the lad's extended wardrobe, and ask how ht with hi either the bundle or the suit-case

And when that night just before dinner Theo slipped into the dining-room and placed the shelves beside Mr Croyden's chair no boy could have been happier The only person happier than Theo himself was the man who received them

”My, but this is a present!” exclaimed the merchant ”And you made them all yourself? I can hardly believe it Why, they are beautifully finished! And isn't it a queer thing that only yesterday I told Mrs Croyden I must buy some bookshelves for my office? You remember, don't you, Madeline?”

Mrs Croyden nodded

”Those were his very words,” affir to Theo ”He said it only at breakfast I believe it was mental telepathy, Theo”

[Illustration: ”THIS IS A PRESENT”]

Theo bea Mr Croyden soh

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XIII

THE TRENTON VISIT

[Illustration: A]

Although originally planned to be of only a week's duration, Theo's visit to the Croydens stretched on into the second week before any one seemed to realize it Ten days passed and still the lad had not been to the porcelain works--one of his chief ai at breakfast Mrs Croyden presented so er to have Theo accoolf club, the tennis club, or for a ht came only too soon

For Mrs Croyden was a e mixture of youthfulness and maturity; of feminine charm and masculine freedom from conventionality She loved boys and understood how to be one with them, and in consequence the friendshi+p that at first had extended only to Mr Croyden Theo now stretched to include her Nor did the stretching demand effort Who could have resisted the sholeso woirlish love of sport?

As the days fled by a tie of real affection strengthened between the freedom of his dreams and ambitions; of his chus Mrs Croyden listened earnestly, now and then putting in a word of interest or encourage Mr Croyden joined in these talks; and sometimes all three of them abandoned life and its proble picture show

”I declare, Theo, I don't knoe are to do without you when you go back hoht at dinner ”It will leave a big hole in the house, won't it, Madeline?”

Mrs Croyden nodded and a shadow passed across her face

”I e hed wistfully ”But I suppose your family would not listen to that, laddie”