CHAPTER XV THE SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED So eager was Fred to write his father about Mr. Bronson's change of front, that he actually grudged the time necessary to escort Margie home, and several times he hurried her so fast that at last she poutingly suggested he let her go by herself if he were so anxious to get back to his study. "It isn't that, Marg," he explained contritely. "I've got some news for father that will please him more than almost anything he could hear." Then, acting on impulse, he related the incident of his father's visit to the famous lawyer, the latter's refusal to handle the case, and the development of the evening. "And all this time, knowing his father's action, you've been kind and courteous to that Clothespin? I never heard anything so fine," breathed the girl proudly. But though her admiration of his attitude toward his classmate was sincere, it was the realization that Fred had once again restored her to his confidence, as indicated by his telling her of the Bronson matter, that made the girl most happy. Bitterly she reproached herself for having by her manner added to the boy's suffering, and eagerly she strove to make amends. "Remember what you asked me the day we quarrelled?" she exclaimed, her voice scarcely more than a whisper. "Do I remember? Well, I should say I did. I've gone over our talk two or three times a day to see what I had said that could give you offense." "You foolish boy! It was all my fault, and--and now I want you to ask me again." "So you can pick another quarrel?" "Don't be silly. I was just a jealous little goose. I might have known it was only your consideration for others that led you to speak of Alice as you did." This confession gave both the young people happiness, and it was much later than even Fred had supposed when he returned to his home, and, going to his room, wrote the tidings to his father that were destined to effect great changes. At the cheery greetings with which Fred hailed them the next morning, his schoolmates were first amazed, then delighted, and by the time classes were over all memories and bitterness caused by the breach were healed over and forgotten. Indeed, so delighted were the Seconds to recognize in the boy the jolly companion of old, that Taffy even asked Fred to go to the campus to coach the back field of the Form team. "But Bart might not like it," objected the boy, though the light in his eyes showed his eagerness to place the benefit of his experience at the service of the eleven. "Sure he will. He'll be tickled to death," insisted Taffy. "Only last night he told me he'd give anything if there was only some way you could be persuaded to play. Between you and me, Buttons is fierce." "Well, I can't play," sighed Fred. "But I'll do this much--I'll take Buttons in hand, if you think that will help."