The next day we all met in the Treasure room of the Dragon, but not altogether by chance I thought, however it might have appeared at first, for after a little talk about unimportant things, my future was brought up for discussion and settlement. Indeed, it was for this the meeting had been called, and it would have gone hard with me, I am convinced, except for Constance and the great tact she showed. For it appeared that Uncle Job and Mr. Seymour were both of the firm opinion that my education could no longer be neglected, and this being so I must at once go away to school. Upon their finally intimating as much, I, not knowing what to say, turned to Constance and implored her by a look to come to my aid. For to leave Appletop meant our parting, and this I was now in no way inclined to after having been away from her so long. Answering my appeal, the sweet girl went to her father, and placing her arms about his neck in the most winsome way you can imagine, said: "Is Gilbert strong enough to do this, papa? See how pale he is; and you know he has not been himself since that dreadful storm. The trial, too, nearly broke his heart. You remember how he cried out, and you yourself were affected. It’s only a little while, too, since he was so ill and we thought he was going to die. I should think you’d want him to get some strength before sending him away. Surely the school can wait." "Why, you little puss, what do you know about Gilbert’s health?" Mr. Seymour answered, returning her caress. "You talk as wise as a doctor." "It doesn’t need a doctor to tell, papa, for we all know what he has gone through. He never was strong, you know, and Fox told me only yesterday that they thought he never would come to that night at the Eagle’s Nest"; and Constance looked at me as if distressed beyond measure at my uncertain health. "That was a long time ago, puss." "No, not a week; and think what he’s passed through before and since!" "He will be all the better for going. The change will do him good," Mr. Seymour answered, toying with her hair. "Sometime, papa, but not now. Wait till he is strong. He can study with me; why not?" "Oh, fie on you! But what do you think, Job?" Mr. Seymour asked after a pause. "Suppose we leave it until another day. There is some sense in what Kit says," he went on, patting her cheeks. "Gilbert doesn’t look very rugged, and besides he could not do much before the summer vacation." "I had not thought of his health," Uncle Job answered, looking me over as one might a horse he thought of running for first prize. "Nor I; but it’s as puss says, or a little that way," Mr. Seymour answered. "Well, then, let the matter drop for the present," Uncle Job responded. "An education is not worth much if one breaks down in getting it. So go and build yourself up, young man, and we will talk about it again."