"No; that is where Randolph has the advantage of me."
"He is a very great dancer, though he can't come up to you in skating. However, dancing isn't everything. Dance as well as he may, he doesn't stand as high in the good graces of Florence Grant as he would like to do."
"I always noticed that he seemed partial to Florence."
"Yes, but it isn't returned. How about yourself, Luke?"
Luke, being a modest boy, blushed.
"I certainly think Florence a very nice girl," he said.
"I was sure of that," said Linton, smiling.
"But I don't want to stand in your way, Linton," continued Luke, with a smile.
"No danger, Luke. Florence is a year older than I am. Now, you are nearly two years older than she, and are better matched. So you needn't consider me in the matter."
Of course, this was all a joke. It was true, however, that of all the girls in Groveton, Luke was more attracted by Florence Grant than by any other, and they had always been excellent friends. It was well known that Randolph also was partial to the young lady, but he certainly had never received much encouragement.