Nat and Charlie exchanged glances, as the teacher rung the bell for the boys to come in. They saw that it was no use to hold out against his wishes, for his last remark had settled the matter. Therefore they reluctantly yielded to his request.
This was the first instance in which Nat had exhibited any unwillingness to take up a new study. But he had made up his mind that it would not be of any use to him, so that he had little heart for the science. He commenced it, and recited his lessons, though rather mechanically, without clearly understanding them, at the same time excelling in arithmetic, declamation, and other exercises that engaged his attention. As his school days ended a few months after, his knowledge of grammar was very limited indeed. The sequel will disclose whether he was not finally convinced that the teacher was right, while he himself was wrong, and whether the failure to improve even one small opportunity does not become the occasion of future regret.
"Well, Nat, how do you like grammar?" inquired John, some weeks afterwards.
"As well as I can," replied Nat.
"So do I, and that isn't saying much. But I thought you was determined not to study it."
"I thought so too," replied Nat, "and you see what thought did."
"I suppose you concluded that you would want to write letters to your sweet-heart some time, and it would be a pity not to use the English language with propriety in such a case."
"I didn't think much about it; but when a boy can't do as he likes, there is no way left but to do as he must, and that is my case."
"I thought the teacher bore rather hard upon us," said Charlie, who had been listening to the conversation.
"Perhaps you will thank him for it when you get to be Dr. Franklin, Jr.," answered Nat, in a jesting manner.