"If I don't promise, I needn't mind," he said to himself, and waited breathlessly; but nothing came.

Only Aunt Amy said: "I hope you don't speak to little boys in the street, Jeremy." To which he replied scornfully: "Of course not." He investigated his money-box, removing the top with a tin-opener.

He found that he had there 3s.

3 1/2d.; a large sum, and enough to give him a royal time.
Mary caught him.
"Oh, Jeremy, what are you doing ?" "Just counting my money," he said, with would-be carelessness.
"You're going to the Fair ?" she whispered breathlessly.
He frowned.

How could she know?
She always knew everything.
"Perhaps," he whispered back; "but if you tell anyone I'll--" "Of course I wouldn't tell," she replied, deeply offended.
This little conversation strengthened his purpose.