Phil nodded again.
“Ah,” said the old French-Canadian, “it is a pity you think so much of soldiers. You should learn your lesson.”
“I’m going to be a soldier—some day,” said Phil.
“Ah, yes, some day. Like my dear old friend, your father,” said the Doctor, with a sigh.
“Yes,” cried the boy, eagerly. “Is he coming to see me, Dr Martin?”
“Why do you ask? Are you not happy here?”
“Not very,” said the boy, sadly.
“Ah, I am sorry. What is the reason? There, speak out.”
The boy hesitated for a few moments, and then burst out with, “It’s because of the Latin, and what Pierre said.”
“Ah, the Latin is hard, my child; but if you work hard it will grow easy. But tell me; what does Pierre say?”