home without seeing his ward.

Nancy Sprague questioned him eagerly.

"And how is Master Walter?" she asked.

"Very well, indeed, Nancy."

"Was he surprised to see you?" "He didn't see me, Nancy."

"He didn't see you!" ejaculated the housekeeper.

"No; the fact was, I went away on a matter of business, and it was not
convenient to call on Walter. But I heard him."

"I don't see how you could have been near him without seeing him."

"I shall see him soon, Nancy, and so will you. In two weeks vacation
will be here. Examinations are near, and I might have interfered with
his studies," the doctor added, with a little innocent evasion.

"To be sure, sir! To be sure! I make no doubt Master Walter is a great
scholar."

"I have very strong doubts on that point myself," thought Doctor Mack,
but he did not care to express himself thus to Nancy.

"I am so glad the dear boy is coming home soon," murmured the
housekeeper. "He has been studying so hard he needs a good long rest.
I will make some cookies expressly for him after he comes. I don't