"'Go off to your seat!—Did you not try half-an-hour ago?'
"'Yes; but I can say it now, sir,' timidly urged the boy.
"'Go on, then; and if you miss a sentence, you shall have six bad marks.'
"Henry commenced, and said off the whole lesson rapidly, without missing a word. The master cast on him a look of pleasure, as he handed him back his book, but said nothing. As the boy returned to his seat, his step was lighter, for his heart beat with a new impulse.
"'Did you say it?' whispered his kind-hearted school-mate.
"'Every word,' replied the boy proudly.
"'Then you see you can learn.'
"'Yes; but it is hard work.'
"'But there is nothing like trying.'
"'No; and from this hour,' replied Henry firmly, 'I will never say I cannot.'