"What did he say to it?"
"He didn't say any thing; but he laughed till he choked himself. You see, he thought 'twould be a long piece."
The next time Richard's selection was a poem on the Union by Whittier; and he received ten good marks for it.
The week following, there were visitors present; and among them the Pastor; Richard, being the best speaker, was called out among the first.
After his bow, he announced as his subject, "The Seasons;" and then went on.
"Some people like Spring best, some like Summer best;" then with a sudden burst of feeling clasping his hand on his heart, he continued, "But as for me, give me liberty or give me death."
When he bowed himself off the stage the clapping commenced, while the dignified teacher, struggling between her inclination to join the laugh and to maintain order blushed crimson.
"That speech is impromptu, I presume," she said addressing the boy. "I would like you to repeat the one you gave us last week."
So, Dick, nothing loath, came out again, and this time acquitted himself with honor.
Miss Wheeler was on her way home when she heard her name called, and presently, Richard overtook her.