"Certainly," observed Pride, "it would be an intolerable disgrace to a clever fellow like you if you let any one get before you. You are not one who would endure to see another winning from you the crown of Success."
"I'll never see that," cried Dick, haughtily. "I should like to know who has a chance against me!"
"No one has the smallest chance against you, if you only exert yourself," said Pride. "If I were you I would put forth my powers, and do something to astonish them all."
"I will!" cried Dick, with decision. "I'll go to Arithmetic to-morrow, and bring back the three remaining sum-grates all at once. But what wretched weather we have this evening!" he exclaimed; "I'm afraid all the brightness of summer is going. And what's that on my wall—that dull stain as of damp, that seems creeping over my paper?"
"It is merely caused by the rain. I should think nothing of it," said Pride.
But Dick did think something of the stain. He saw that it marred the beauty of that upon which he had bestowed much diligent labour.
"I'll cross over to Nelly's cottage," he said, "and see if the damp is staining hers also."
Nelly was busy fixing in her grate. She looked upon her brother with a smile.
"How kind to come and see me through the rain!"
"I did not come to see you, but your paper. How is this?—there is not a damp spot upon it!"