"I am afraid you are too proud, Brandon."
"Isn't father the richest man in Waterford, I'd like to know? Dean Dunham is the nephew of a poor carpenter, who keeps him out of charity."
"Ah, Brandon, you shouldn't value people for their money."
"Dean Dunham is no fit companion for me. If I were in the city, I should find plenty of associates."
Gentle Mrs Bates sighed. She could not approve of her son's pride.
CHAPTER III.
BRANDON'S JOKE.
About quarter of a mile from the village was a pond of small size, not over a third of a mile across, but it provided the boys of the village a great deal of amusement. In the summer it afforded chances for bathing and boating, in the winter for skating.