"Oh, don't bother, Aunt Caroline," said Bill grandly. But he knew she would. "It is so comforting to know that you stood at the head of your class, William." She alone used "William." "Why—what?" "That out of two hundred you were the very first," remarked Aunt Caroline, smoothing her black silk. Bill was blinking. Was he being joshed by his maiden aunt? [Pg 17] [Pg 17] "Why, Aunt Caroline, who——" "Oh, the young man you brought home told me," and she beamed benevolently. "But the Marshalls always have been a modest family. We let our acts speak for themselves. I suppose I should never have found it out if your valet had not told me. His name is Peter, isn't it?" So Pete had told her that! "He appears to be a rather nice young man," added Aunt Caroline. "I am glad you brought him." Bill was thinking of things to say to Pete. "While he is, of course, your valet, William, I think we can afford to be rather considerate toward him. It seems so rare nowadays to find a young man with such high aims." "So?" remarked Bill. This was bewildering. "Just—er—what did he say about his aims, Aunt Caroline?" "He explained about his theological studies and how he has been earning his way through college, doing work as a valet. It was kind of you, William, to give him employment." Bill was making the motions of swallowing. Theological studies! Why—— "He takes such a deep interest in the heathen peoples," Aunt Caroline was saying. "While I hate to see a young man bury himself away from civilization, it shows very high Christian principles. There have to be missionaries in the world, of course. He speaks so hopefully about his future life." "Why—er—oh, yes;
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