“Have you been accustomed to recite in this class, Peter?” asked Walter.
“Yes.”
“Then why do you not take your place?”
“I’m goin’ into the first class,” said Peter, defiantly.
“I have no objections to that, if you are qualified.”
“I am qualified.”
“That I can determine after one recitation. Take your place to-day with your old class, and then, if I judge you fit I will let you enter the first class.”
Peter hesitated. He did not want to recite with his old class at all. But he reflected that, even if the teacher decided against him, he could refuse to obey him, and this would bring on the collision and trial of strength which he desired. He knew very well that he was not qualified for promotion, and had no doubt the teacher would so decide, unless he was afraid to do so. On the whole, therefore, he thought it best to submit for the present, and, rising, advanced to his place.
Presently it came to Peter’s turn to parse.
“You may parse ‘had been conquered,’ Peter,” said the young teacher.