"My young friends," he said; "this is a marked day. We have with us
a new boy, who is henceforth to be one of us, to be a member of our
happy family, to share in the estimable advantages which you all
enjoy. Need I say that I refer to Master Roscoe, the ward of our
distinguished friend, Mr. Allan Roscoe, who sits beside me, and with
interest, I am sure, surveys our institute?"

As he spoke he turned towards Mr. Roscoe, who nodded an
acknowledgment.

"I may say to Mr. Roscoe that I am proud of my pupils, and the
progress they have made under my charge. (The principal quietly
ignored the two ushers who did all the teaching.) When these boys
have reached a high position in the world, it will be my proudest
boast that they were prepared for the duties of life at Smith
Institute. Compared with this proud satisfaction, the few paltry
dollars I exact as my honorarium are nothing--absolutely nothing."

Socrates looked virtuous and disinterested as he gave utterance to
this sentiment.

"And now, boys, you will commence your daily exercises, under the
direction of my learned associates, Mr. Crabb and Mr. Jones."

Mr. Crabb looked feebly complacent at this compliment, though he
knew it was only because a visitor was present. In private, Socrates
was rather apt to speak slightingly of his attainments.

"While I am absent with my distinguished friend, Mr. Roscoe, I
expect you to pursue your studies diligently, and preserve the most