"Far from it," answered the teacher, with emphasis. "I think you
deserving of great commendation, especially if, as I have heard,
the plan originated with you, and was by you suggested to your
father."

"Yes, sir."

The teacher held out his hand kindly. "It was only what I should
have expected of you," he said. "I have not forgotten your essay.
I am glad to see that you not only have right ideas of duty, but
have, what is rarer, the courage and self-denial to put them in
practice."

These words gave Frank much pleasure, and his face lighted up.

"Shall you feel obliged to give up your studies entirely?" asked
his teacher.

"I think I shall be able to study some in the evening."

"If I can be of any assistance to you in any way, don't hesitate
to apply. If you should find any stumbling-blocks in your
lessons, I may be able to help you over them."

By this time they had come within sight of the schoolhouse.

"There comes the young farmer," said John Haynes, in a tone which
was only subdued lest the teacher should hear him, for he had no
disposition to incur another public rebuke.