He ignored her the entire evening, though he spoke
pleasantly to Nell, and helped her with the work. Amy was unhappy and
miserable, and the next day ungraciously enough prepared and went to
school. But the battle was not done.
"I have a letter from Papa saying he will be here with the children this
week. We must have everything ready for them," announced Austin a few days
after his conflict with Amy. And when the day came all three of them were
at the station to welcome them. Lila and Doyle were wild with delight to be
again with their brother and sisters, and wound their little arms about
their necks in the most affectionate manner. Henry Hill looked on with
complacency, for he felt that he was bestowing quite a favor upon his
children in giving them such pleasure.
The children were well pleased with their new home, seeming not to notice
the bareness of it; but their father noted it all, and said to himself,
"Austin has undertaken more than he can handle. I thought he would find out
there is something to supporting a family." But he did not divide his
summer's wages.
"Girls, I have had a rise," said Austin one evening, and sat back to enjoy
the expressions of pleasure from his sisters.
"But there is another side to it. I will have to work nights. I shall have
long hours and be away every night but one each week. How will that suit
you?" he added.
"We shall not be afraid," said Amy and Nell together.
"But I shall not be here to take you out of evenings.
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