Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/137

Rh his cousin nearly every day; and for some time after Fred came the two boys were on most  harmonious terms. In spite of everything, Rob was jealous of Fred, and would gladly have  changed places with him for the next year; but  he kept this feeling to himself, with an instinctive fear that it might make cousin Bess feel  badly.

For Fred’s own good, it seemed to Bessie that, first of all, his shyness must be overcome; for, in spite of all her efforts to encourage him,  he still showed his aversion to going out or meeting people, and always fled to his room when any one came to call. Accordingly, one evening Bess asked the boys, Rob and his four friends, to come in for an hour, thinking that Fred would enjoy it when once they were there. As the boys came in, with all their laughter and fun, she turned to speak to Fred, but no Fred was there.

“I heard him go up-stairs a few moments ago,” said her mother. “I will go up and call him.” She returned presently, looking rather anxious.

“He says he doesn’t feel well, and has gone