Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/151

Rh some expression of approval to show that she appreciated his efforts to live well, as a hero should do.

The first meeting with the boys was a trying one on both sides. Sam, in particular, was so anxious to make the most soothing remarks,  that he well-nigh overwhelmed Fred by his  expressions of sympathy and solicitude. But just as Fred felt he could endure it no longer, and must beat a retreat, Bert came to the rescue with some well-timed question that turned the conversation to less personal subjects. It was by no means the first time that Bess had been grateful to Bert for his quick perception of danger signals in the conversation, and she hastily followed his lead. But the hour the boys spent together was rather a stiff one, for Fred was silent and shy, and the  boys had not the courage to approach him, as  they felt, more strongly than ever, the sad difference between them. It was with a sigh of relief that Fred heard the door close behind  them; and, returning to the parlor, he threw  himself wearily into a chair, while Fuzz climbed  on his knee and licked his face. A moment