Schofield
hastily interposed the suggestion of dinner, and the small procession
went in to the dining-room.
"It has been a delicious day," said Mr. Kinosling, presently; "warm but
balmy." With a benevolent smile he addressed Penrod, who sat opposite
him. "I suppose, little gentleman, you have been indulging in the usual
outdoor sports of vacation?"
Penrod laid down his fork and glared, open-mouthed at Mr. Kinosling.
"You'll have another slice of breast of the chicken?" Mr. Schofield
inquired, loudly and quickly.
"A lovely day!" exclaimed Margaret, with equal promptitude and emphasis.
"Lovely, oh, lovely! Lovely!"
"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!" said Mrs. Schofield, and after a
glance at Penrod which confirmed her impression that he intended to
say something, she continued, "Yes, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
beautiful, beautiful beautiful!"
Penrod closed his mouth and sank back in his chair--and his relatives
took breath.
Mr. Kinosling looked pleased. This responsive family, with its ready
enthusiasm, made the kind of audience he liked. He passed a delicate
white hand gracefully over his tall, pale forehead, and smiled
indulgently.
"Youth relaxes in summer," he said. "Boyhood is the age of relaxation;
one is playful, light, free, unfettered. One runs and leaps and enjoys
one's self with one's companions. It is good for the little lads to play
with their friends; they jostle, push, and wrestle, and simulate little,
happy struggles with one another in harmless conflict.
Pages:
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188