It was some time before Dexter could summon up courage to go down to the
breakfast-room. That he was expected, he knew, for Mrs Millett had
been to his door twice, and said first that breakfast was ready, and,
secondly, that master was waiting.
When he did go in, he could hardly believe that he had been away, for
there was a kiss from Helen, and a frank "Good morning," and shake of
the hand from the doctor, not the slightest allusion being made to the
past till breakfast was nearly over, when Maria brought in a note.
"Hah! From Limpney," said the doctor. "I sent Peter on to say that
Dexter was back, and that I should like the lessons to be resumed this
morning."
Dexter's eyes lit up. The idea of being busy over lessons once more
seemed delightful.
"Confound his impudence!" said the doctor angrily, as he ran through the
note. "Hark here, Helen: `Mr Limpney's compliments, and he begs to
decline to continue the tuition at Dr Grayson's house.'"