Frank joined in the laugh which this little sally of wit excited; for it does not take much to make a group of boys laugh.
Mrs. Reed called two or three boys to her and introduced them to Frank; and told them to take him into the garden and play ground. The others soon followed. The mere sight of so many merry, lively fellows, was exhilarating to Frank; who had lived in retirement, and to whom society of his own age was a rare pleasure.
The young gentlemen into whose hands he was entrusted, were very polite and attentive. They did not laugh among themselves at any of Frank's peculiarities, or express surprise at his ignorance of many things, which they knew. Their manners were as much attended to as their minds. Mr. Reed told them he wished to live among gentlemen, as well as scholars.
They led Frank to their own gardens; each boy had a bed; and many had violets and hyacinths in blow, which they gathered and presented to Frank.
'What, have you all gardens?' said he; 'I am glad of that. I regretted very much leaving my garden, and still more my little sister's, of which I had the care: but I have left a kind friend behind, who has promised to be my gardener.'
'What is his name?'
'Sam Brown; he is a farmer's son, a very fine boy, and the only play-fellow I have had.'
'We have some farmer's sons in our school; they are clever fellows, and help us about our gardens, and we help them about their lessons. But should not you like to see your garden?'
'Mine!' said Frank; 'how came I to have a garden?'