Sometimes he will ask a question that wakes up both class and
professor; but at other times it seems difficult to pierce the
shell of his reserve or diffidence. And yet, from little things I
have seen, I know that he has a good warm heart; and the working
of his mind in the recitation-room fascinates me. Further than
this I know little about him, but have just learned, from his
explanation as to his unexpected appearance at our door, that he
is very poor, and purposed to spend his holiday vacation as agent
for a new magazine that is offering liberal premiums. I think his
poverty is one of the reasons why he has so shrunk from
companionship with the other students. He thinks he ought to go
out and continue his efforts tonight."
"This stormy night!" ejaculated kind Mrs. Alford. "It would be
barbarous."
"Certainly it would, mother. We must not let him. But you must all
be considerate, for he seems excessively diffident and sensitive;
and besides--but no matter."
"No fear but that we will soon make him at home. And it's a
pleasure to entertain people who are not surfeited with attention.
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