“I don't think they appreciate it,” said Mrs. Paget; “and, poor fellows, they are always so miserable that they might as well be miserable somewhere else.”
“We are not at all miserable after the first week,” said Louis.
“I thought you were not to go to school again, my dear,” said Mrs. Paget.
“So I thought, myself, but papa wished me to go, and he is the best judge.”
“Well, dear it's a very nice thing that you are wise enough to see it,—and you are happy?”
“I should be very ungrateful not to be so ma'am; Dr. Wilkinson and all the boys are so kind to me this half. It is so different from the first quarter spent at school.”
“They are kind, are they? Well, I dare say; they couldn't help it, I'm sure,” replied Mrs. Paget. “I suppose you will have the medal again this half year. I am sure you ought to have it to make up.”
“Oh, but I shouldn't have it to make up for last half, ma'am,” said Louis, smiling.
“But you will get it, I dare say,” said the lady.
“I don't know,” said Louis; “perhaps—I think I have a very good chance yet, but we never can tell exactly what Dr. Wilkinson thinks about us. There are only one or two I am afraid of.”