“I do wish you would come, Howe;” and he spoke half reproachfully.
“I came here for a purpose, and I shall follow it.”
The door closed with a slam. I crossed the room and leaned my head on the mantel; school life was so different from what I had expected. I had supposed that everybody appreciated study, that everybody longed for an education, and that only opportunity was wanted to make good scholars. I had learned differently. Nominal students were not actual learners; neither were those who applied themselves the most diligently, in all cases the most appreciated. Then I remembered again Mr. Kirby’s words: “Doing right is the only safe course, and although slow and wearisome at first, is sure to succeed. Other paths may look as if they would lead into shaded nooks and flowery dells; but ruin lurks in secret, and despair has a lodge there. The only safety is in keeping clear of them, having nothing to do with them; while the onward road, narrow and rough though it be, will in the end lead to the desired result.”
X.
In so large a school as that in Rockdale, of course there were various cliques, and each clique with its leader. Frank Clavers was at the head of the Senior class, and round him gathered good scholars and studious boys; while Richard Farden and Harry Gilmore, by virtue of wealth, good looks, and an easy, good-natured manner, took the lead in all sports and amusements; and Robert Lovell was looked up to and followed by all who had a thought of the future. Few enough there were of these; and to this clique I had attached myself. Hence the goodness that my room-mate was constantly reproaching me with, when I refused to join in their stolen revels.
“I am sure I should be on the ice half the time, if I could skate as you do,” said Harry Gilmore once as I joined the skaters during recess.
“So should I perhaps, had I nothing else to do,” I answered, skimming over the smooth surface with all the freedom of a bird on the wing. “It is a good deal of self-denial for me to stay at home, Harry. I own there are times when an hour on the ice would please me much better than sawing wood or making paths through the snow.”
“Why don’t you do it then? we have to beg you ever so long. I had no idea you could skate so beautifully.”
“I cannot afford the time,” I answered frankly. “I came here to study; and you know I nearly pay my board with what I can do during the hours that you have for recreation.”