"You had better let the Latin go, and study French," said Dr. Porter. "You will find the modern languages of more practical use to you in the beginning. There! Now you are pretty well equipped, and I shall have to send you away, for I have a lecture to prepare. Perhaps you may have lectures of your own to prepare some day."
A happier boy was not to be found in the United States than was Eben Fairchild that day as he walked down the long hill on which stood the group of college buildings. He could not resist the temptation to look into his books as he went along, till a stumble over a stone brought him nearly on his nose and quite to his senses at the same moment.
"Well, there! They'll keep!" And resolutely closing them, Eben began to study the shop-windows, that he might amuse his mother and Flora with an account of them when he got home. He was looking at a beautiful picture in the window of a bookstore, when some one slapped him on the shoulder, and looking round, he saw Tom Wilbur. Tom was no special favourite of Eben's, but he was in the mood to be cordial to everybody.
"Why, Eben, is this you? How came you over here?"
"I came on an errand for Mr. Antis," replied Eben, shaking hands.
"Seems to me I'd have dressed up a little," said Tom, with his usual politeness. "The folks here ain't like the folks in Boonville. They don't think much of a fellow, unless he looks nice."
"I hadn't time to dress," said Eben, feeling vexed at himself for being annoyed at Tom's words. "I had to catch a ride and come off at a moment's warning."
"Oh, well, it don't matter for you, I dare say. What are you staring at in this window? I don't see anything very interesting."
"At the pictures. I think they are beautiful, and Flossy will like to hear about them."
"Oh, well, never mind! Come and have a game of billiards."