"I'm so sorry, because school-boys are so noisy and troublesome; I can't bear school-boys."
"But perhaps I may turn out different," said Leslie, scarcely knowing what to say in reply to the decided expression of the young lady.
"Well, perhaps so, but I have not much hope."
"Suppose I try to keep as I am now for your sake?"
"Ah, that would be nice, then I would ask mamma to invite you into the parlour sometimes."
"An inducement," said Leslie, with a smile.
The time sped rapidly on, and the hour approached when Mr Ross was compelled to leave, and, taking his son into the garden, he there bade him farewell, saying, "Good-bye, my boy, mind and write home to let us know how you get on; if I may judge from what I have seen of the school, you will be comfortable here."
"Yes, papa, as comfortable as I can be away from home."
And Leslie thought so again, as at night he knelt down by his bedside, to repeat his evening prayer.
