t would be easy to get
another copy for him--and a knife for Bertie himself, that gladdened his
heart for many a day. The truth is, that when Mrs. Gregory saw Bertie,
her conscience smote her. She was not really unkind, but very
thoughtless; and ever since her boys came from Eton she had entirely
forgotten him. Had he been at home all day, he might perhaps have shared
in their pleasures; as it was, he scarcely ever even saw them. When he
returned from the City they were generally off to some place of
entertainment, and arrived home barely in time for dinner; when that was
over, they were off again, their mother never being tired of going about
with her two handsome lads, while the equally handsome "office-boy"
spent his evenings in the solitary school-room. Still, it should be
said, she had not wilfully ignored and neglected Bertie, and when she
saw how delighted he was to get away from Gore House, she felt naturally
ashamed of herself, and resolved to be kinder to him when he came back,
for he was really a very good, quiet boy, who never gave any trouble.
Meantime she filled a hamper with dainties, packed up the presents, even
sent her love to Uncle and Aunt Clair, and a very handsome card; and
half-an-hour after Bertie was driving briskly through the park, looking
proudly at the hamper and parcel, and wondering if there were so happy a
boy in all London that bright, frosty day. Just as he turned into
Fitzroy Square a sudden thought struck him: Aunt Amy and Uncle Clair had
not invited him, did not even know he was coming, and the fact damped
his spirits for a moment. But he laughed off the uneasy sensation. And
before long he was flying up the steps; but ere he could reach the
knocker, the door swung open, and he was in Aunt Amy's arms.

"My dear, how glad I am to see you, and so are all of us!" she said,
kissing him tenderly. "This is indeed a pleasant surprise for us,
Bertie!"

"I've come for ten days, auntie," he cried: "that is, if you will have
me; but I never thought of asking you till I saw the house; but I may
stay, may I not?"

"Stay! I should think so. Why, child, I'm delighted!" and Aunt Amy
kissed Bertie again, and then bustled out to see after his things; but
John had already deposited them in the hall. Bertie forgot nothing but
his own personal belongings. "I am so sorry," he cried, "but I've
forgotten my things and my dressing-case. I was so excited, I really did
not know what was doing."

"I'll bri