"Something becoming, without a doubt," said Nina Irwin, "since everything becomes her."
At this point Randy entered, and the subject of conversation changed from dress to the lessons for the day.
"You always come with lessons prepared, Randy Weston," said Polly, "and you look decidedly cheerful, too."
"Why shouldn't I look cheerful, if I am ready for the recitations?" asked Randy, in surprise.
"Because," Polly answered, "it makes me cross to have to study, and you must work persistently to keep up such a record as you have this year."
"Miss Dayton helps me," Randy answered.
"But she cannot learn for you," said Nina Irwin, "and you seem to get on as well in those studies which are new to you, as in those which you had commenced in the district school."
"But I like all my studies," said Randy, "and anyone would be interested in new ones. There is another reason why I am working so diligently.
"Father and mother sent me here, believing that I would study faithfully. I should not be true to them if I wasted my opportunity. And little Prue is trying to be patient, although her funny little letters show how she misses me. I'll show you the last one which she sent me, only don't laugh at her original spelling, Nina. Remember, she is a little girl. Here it is:"
"DEAR RANDY:—