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I do wish," said the mother, fretfully, "that he would get over that mania.

It unfits him for anything else."

Precisely," returned her husband, dishing the soup; "but it fits him for a

great career when he becomes a man. Why shouldn't he spend his

summer vacation in pursuit of useful knowledge instead of romping

around like ordinary boys?"

No soup, thank you," said Rob.

What!" exclaimed his father, looking at him in surprise, "it's your

favorite soup."

I know," said Rob, quietly, "but I don't want any."

Are you ill, Robert?" asked his mother.

Never felt better in my life," answered Rob, truthfully.

Yet Mrs. Joslyn looked worried, and when Rob refused the roast, she was

really shocked.

Let me feel your pulse, my poor boy!" she commanded, and wondered to

find it so regular.

In fact, Rob's action surprised them all. He sat calmly throughout the

meal, eating nothing, but apparently in good health and spirits, while

even his sisters regarded him with troubled countenances.

He's worked too hard, I guess," said Mr. Joslyn, shaking his head sadly.

Oh, no; I haven't," protested Rob; "but I've decided not to eat anything,

hereafter. It's a bad habit, and does more harm than good."

Wait till breakfast," said sister Helen, with a laugh; "you'll be hungry

enough by that time."

However, the boy had no desire for food at breakfast time, either, as the

tablet sufficed for an entire day. So he renewed the anxiety of the family

by refusing to join them at the table.

If this goes on," Mr Joslyn said to his son, when breakfast was finished,

I shall be obliged to send you away for your health."

I think of making a trip this morning," said Rob, carelessly.

The Master Key