“That is a strange name. I never heard it before.”
“No, it is not a common name. I suppose you don’t like school very much?”
“I never shall be happy here,” sighed Tommy.
“You think so now, but you will get used to it.”
“I don’t think I shall.”
“Oh, yes, you will. It will never seem like home, of course, but you will get acquainted with some of the boys, and will join in their games, and then time will pass more pleasantly.”
“I think the boys are very rough,” said the little boy.
“Yes, they are rough, but they don’t mean unkindly. Some of them were homesick when they came here, just like you.”
“Were you homesick?” asked Tommy, looking up, with interest.
“I didn’t like the school very well; but I was much older than you when I came here, and, besides, I didn’t leave behind me so pleasant a home. I am not so rich as you, Tommy. I have no father nor mother,” and for the moment Hector, too, looked sad.