Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/89

Rh saw that something was wrong, and, as Rob had started to spend the afternoon with Fred, she  surmised that there had been another quarrel.

“Well, Robin, my boy, is anything the matter? she asked cheerfully.

“No, only I’m not going to see Fred again in a hurry, and I guess he knows it,” Rob replied,  stopping and putting both elbows on the fence,  preparatory to a conversation.

“What has happened, Rob? I don’t see why you boys always come to grief. Fred is pleasant enough to me.”

“Maybe he is,” said Rob half sulkily. “I s’pose I’m the one to blame.”

“Tell me all about it, Robin,” said Bess. “I know Fred is cross sometimes, but just think  how hard it all is for him, this being shut up by  himself.”

“He needn’t be shut up if he doesn’t want to,” said Rob impatiently. “It’s his own fault, if he won’t see the boys.”

“Oh, Rob, don’t be so hard on him!”

“Well, I know, but he needn’t be so uncommonly cross, then. I’m sorry for him, but I just won’t go there any more.”