On Sunday Jim went with his mother to the Children’s Hospital. Susie still kept her bed, and her back was encased in plaster of Paris; but she had grown decidedly stronger, and the nurse spoke most hopefully of her case. "And if she does walk," said she, "you will have to thank Dr. Stewart. I have never known any one take such an interest in a case." Mrs. Hartland left Jim to reveal his great secret, and it was charming to observe the look of delighted surprise steal into the girl’s face. "Do you know," she said thoughtfully, after congratulating her brother on his good fortune, "I think people have been very kind to us." "Yes," exclaimed her mother, kissing her fondly; "and I hope we shall never forget it." *CHAPTER XVII.* *A STARTLING SURPRISE.* The next fortnight was about the happiest time Jim had passed since the news arrived of his father’s death. Thanks in some part to his wages, they had tided over the worst of the crisis; and his mother, who was really a skilful needlewoman, had now no lack of employment. At the Deanery School he had quite recovered his popularity. The boys sought his advice as in the old days; and one half-holiday the Football Committee begged him to assist the team in an important match. Mr. Broad readily granted him an extra hour’s leave, and much to the delight of his numerous admirers, he had the satisfaction of kicking the winning goal for the school. "There’s an end to my football in Beauleigh," he said, as he left the field with his chum. "And a very good finish!" laughed the Angel. "The Deanery fellows will miss you at cricket next season." "I expect they’ll miss us both. I hope, though, they’ll keep the shield." "They’re bound to!" said Dick, with a grin. "Haven’t they got Simpson?" "Of course; I’d forgotten him. Have you heard from Sir Thomas Arkell?" "Yes; I’m to begin work on the morning they reopen after the holidays. I can hardly believe it now." "I understand the feeling. D’you know, I think we’ve been awfully lucky, Dick." "The reward of merit!" murmured the Angel; and a stranger, judging by the tone of his voice, would have thought he really meant it. Jim, however, knew him better, and greeted the remark with a laugh, saying, "Well, every one who deserves the reward doesn’t get it, anyhow." "Only one week more," cried Dick, flying off at a tangent—a by no means unusual proceeding on his part. "I’m counting the days now." That week seemed a long time to the eager boys; but it came to an end at last, and the Deanery scholars assembled in the large hall for dismissal. It was the head-master’s custom to speak a few words before they separated, and he did so now.