Jeremy told his conscience that if, this year, he gave his promise, he would certainly keep it.

He wondered, at the same time, whether he might not possibly manage to be out of the house when the commands were issued.

He formed a habit of suddenly slipping out of the room when he saw his father's mouth assuming the shape of a "command." He took the utmost care not to be alone with his father.
But he need not have been alarmed.

This year no command appeared.
Perhaps Mr.Cole thought that it was no longer necessary; it was obvious that the children were not to go, and they were, after all, old enough now to think for themselves.

Or, perhaps, it was that Mr.Cole had other things on his mind; he was changing curates just then, and a succession of white-faced, soft-voiced, and loud-booted young men were appearing at the Coles' hospitable table.
"Here's this tiresome Fair come round again," said Mrs.Cole.
"Wicked!" said Aunt Amy, with an envious shudder.