章节正文
nervous. If he were in perfect health he would
have more force of character and firmness. He
is under the impression that he has heart disease,
and it makes him timid and vacillating."
"Still he ought to do something for you."
"I suppose he ought. Still, Gilbert, I think
I can earn my living."
"What can you do?"
"Well, I have a fair education. I could be
an entry clerk, or a salesman in some store,
or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work
on a farm. I believe farmers give boys who
work for them their board and clothes."
"I don't think the clothes would suit you."
"I am pretty well supplied with clothing."
Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.
"Do you carry it all in there?" he asked, doubtfully.
Carl laughed.
"Well, no," he answered. "I have a trunkful
of clothes at home, though."
"Why didn't you bring them with you?"
"I would if I were an elephant. Being only
a boy, I would find it burdensome carrying a
trunk with me. The gripsack is all I can very
well manage."
"I tell you what," said Gilbert. "Come
round to our house and stay overnight. We
live only a mile from here, you know. The
folks will be glad to see you, and while you
are there I will go to your house, see the
governor, and arrange for an allowance for you
that will make you comparatively independent."
"Thank you, Gilbert; but I don't feel like
asking favors from those who have ill-treated me."
"Nor would I--of strangers; but Dr. Crawford
is your father. It isn't right that Peter,
your stepbrother, should be supported in ease
and luxury, while you, the real son, should
be subjected to privation and want."
"I don't know but you are right," admitted
Carl, slowly.
"Of course I am right. Now, will you make
me your minister plenipotentiary, armed with
full powers?"
"Yes, I believe I will."
"That's right. That shows you are a boy
of sense. Now, as you are subject to my
directions, just get on that bicycle and I will
carry your gripsack, and we will seek Vance
Villa, as we call it when we want to be high-
toned, by the most direct route."
"No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my own
gripsack. I won't burden you with it," said Carl,
rising from his recumbent position.
"Look here, Carl, how far have you walked
with it this morning?"
"About twelve miles."
"Then, of course, you're tired, and require
rest. Just jump on that bicycle, and I'll take
the gripsack. If you have carried it twelve
miles, I can surely carry it one."
"You are very kind, Gilbert."
"Why shouldn't I be?"
"But it is imposing up on your good nature."
But Gilbert had turned his head in a backward
direction, and nodded in a satisfied way
as he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.
"There's my sister in that carriage," he said.
"She comes in good time. I will put you and
your gripsack in with her, and I'll take to my
bicycle again."
"Your sister may not like such an arrangement."
"Won't she though! She's very fond of
beaux, and she will receive you very graciously."
"You make me feel bashful, Gilbert."
"You won't be long. Julia will chat away
to you as if she'd known you for fifty years."
"I was very young fifty years ago," said
Carl, smiling.
"Hi, there, Jule!" called Gilbert, waving his hand.
Julia Vance stopped the horse, and looked
inquiringly and rather admiringly at Carl,
who was a boy of fine appearance.
"Let me introduce you to my friend and
schoolmate, Carl Crawford."
Carl took off his hat politely.
"I am very glad to make your acquaintance,
Mr. Crawford," said Julia, demurely; "I have
often heard Gilbert speak of you."
"I hope he said nothing bad about me, Miss Vance."
"You may be sure he didn't. If he should now--
I wouldn't believe him."
"You've made a favorableimpression, Carl,"
said Gilbert, smiling.
"I am naturally prejudiced against boys--
having such a brother," said Julia; "but it is
not fair to judge all boys by him."
"That is outrageous injustice!" said Gilbert;
"but then, sisters seldom appreciate their brothers."
"Some other fellows' sisters may," said Carl.
"They do, they do!"
"Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy,
Mr. Crawford?"
"Of course you know him better than I do."
"Come, Carl; it's too bad for you, too, to
join against me. However, I will forget and
forgive. Jule, my friend, Carl, has accepted
my invitation to make us a visit."
"I am very glad, I am sure," said Julia,
sincerely.
"And I want you to take him in, bag and
baggage, and convey him to our palace, while
I speed thither on my wheel."
"To be sure I will, and with great pleasure."
"Can't you get out and assist him into the
carriage, Jule?"
"Thank you," said Carl; "but though I am
somewhat old and quite infirm, I think I can
get in without troubling your sister. Are you
sure, Miss Vance, you won't be incommoded
by my gripsack?"
"Not at all."
"Then I will accept your kind offer."
In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, with
his valise at his feet.
"Won't you drive, Mr. Crawford?" said the
young lady.
"Don't let me take the reins from you."
"I don't think it looks well for a lady to
drive when a gentleman is sitting beside her."
Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.
"Now for a race!" said Gilbert, who was
mounted on his bicycle.
"All right!" replied Carl. "Look out for us!"
They started, and the two kept neck and
neck till they entered the driveway leading
up to a handsome country mansion.
Carl followed them into the house, and was
cordially received by Mr. and Mrs. Vance,
who were very kind and hospitable, and were
favorably impressed by the gentlemanly
appearance of their son's friend.
Half an hour later dinner was announced,
and Carl, having removed the stains of travel
in his schoolmate's room, descended to the dining-
room, and, it must be confessed, did ample
justice to the bounteousrepast spread before him.
In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he
played tennis, and had a trial at archery. The
hours glided away very rapidly, and six o'clock
came before they were aware.
"Gilbert," said Carl, as they were preparing
for tea, "you have a charming home."
"You have a nice house, too, Carl."
"True; but it isn't a home--to me.
There is no love there."
"That makes a great difference."
"If I had a father and mother like yours
I should be happy."
"You must stay here till day after tomorrow,
and I will devote to-morrow to a visit in
your interest to your home. I will beard the
lion in his den--that is, your stepmother.
Do you consent?"
"Yes, I consent; but it won't do any good."
"We will see."
CHAPTER III.
INTRODUCES PETER COOK.
Gilbert took the morning train to the town
of Edgewood Center, the residence of the Crawfords.
He had been there before, and knew
that Carl's home was nearly a mile distant
from the station. Though there was a hack
in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would
give him a chance to think over what he proposed
to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl's behalf.
He was within a quarter of a mile of his
destination when his attention was drawn to a
boy of about his own age, who was amusing
himself and a smaller companion by firing
stones at a cat that had taken refuge in a tree.
Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect,
and the poor cat moaned in affright, but did
not dare to come down from her perch, as this
would put her in the power of her assailant.
"That must be Carl's stepbrother, Peter,"
Gilbert decided, as he noted the boy's mean
face and turn-up nose. "Stoning cats seems
to be his idea of amusement. I shall take the
liberty of interfering."
Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.
"I hit her, Simon," he said. "Doesn't she
look seared?"
"You must have hurt her."
"I expect I did. I'll take a bigger stone next time."
He suited the action to the word, and picked
up a rock which, should it hit the poor cat,
would in all probability kill her, and prepared
to fire.
"Put down that rock!" said Gilbert, indignantly.
Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.
have more force of character and firmness. He
is under the impression that he has heart disease,
and it makes him timid and vacillating."
"Still he ought to do something for you."
"I suppose he ought. Still, Gilbert, I think
I can earn my living."
"What can you do?"
"Well, I have a fair education. I could be
an entry clerk, or a salesman in some store,
or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work
on a farm. I believe farmers give boys who
work for them their board and clothes."
"I don't think the clothes would suit you."
"I am pretty well supplied with clothing."
Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.
"Do you carry it all in there?" he asked, doubtfully.
Carl laughed.
"Well, no," he answered. "I have a trunkful
of clothes at home, though."
"Why didn't you bring them with you?"
"I would if I were an elephant. Being only
a boy, I would find it burdensome carrying a
trunk with me. The gripsack is all I can very
well manage."
"I tell you what," said Gilbert. "Come
round to our house and stay overnight. We
live only a mile from here, you know. The
folks will be glad to see you, and while you
are there I will go to your house, see the
governor, and arrange for an allowance for you
that will make you comparatively independent."
"Thank you, Gilbert; but I don't feel like
asking favors from those who have ill-treated me."
"Nor would I--of strangers; but Dr. Crawford
is your father. It isn't right that Peter,
your stepbrother, should be supported in ease
and luxury, while you, the real son, should
be subjected to privation and want."
"I don't know but you are right," admitted
Carl, slowly.
"Of course I am right. Now, will you make
me your minister plenipotentiary, armed with
full powers?"
"Yes, I believe I will."
"That's right. That shows you are a boy
of sense. Now, as you are subject to my
directions, just get on that bicycle and I will
carry your gripsack, and we will seek Vance
Villa, as we call it when we want to be high-
toned, by the most direct route."
"No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my own
gripsack. I won't burden you with it," said Carl,
rising from his recumbent position.
"Look here, Carl, how far have you walked
with it this morning?"
"About twelve miles."
"Then, of course, you're tired, and require
rest. Just jump on that bicycle, and I'll take
the gripsack. If you have carried it twelve
miles, I can surely carry it one."
"You are very kind, Gilbert."
"Why shouldn't I be?"
"But it is imposing up on your good nature."
But Gilbert had turned his head in a backward
direction, and nodded in a satisfied way
as he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.
"There's my sister in that carriage," he said.
"She comes in good time. I will put you and
your gripsack in with her, and I'll take to my
bicycle again."
"Your sister may not like such an arrangement."
"Won't she though! She's very fond of
beaux, and she will receive you very graciously."
"You make me feel bashful, Gilbert."
"You won't be long. Julia will chat away
to you as if she'd known you for fifty years."
"I was very young fifty years ago," said
Carl, smiling.
"Hi, there, Jule!" called Gilbert, waving his hand.
Julia Vance stopped the horse, and looked
inquiringly and rather admiringly at Carl,
who was a boy of fine appearance.
"Let me introduce you to my friend and
schoolmate, Carl Crawford."
Carl took off his hat politely.
"I am very glad to make your acquaintance,
Mr. Crawford," said Julia, demurely; "I have
often heard Gilbert speak of you."
"I hope he said nothing bad about me, Miss Vance."
"You may be sure he didn't. If he should now--
I wouldn't believe him."
"You've made a favorableimpression, Carl,"
said Gilbert, smiling.
"I am naturally prejudiced against boys--
having such a brother," said Julia; "but it is
not fair to judge all boys by him."
"That is outrageous injustice!" said Gilbert;
"but then, sisters seldom appreciate their brothers."
"Some other fellows' sisters may," said Carl.
"They do, they do!"
"Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy,
Mr. Crawford?"
"Of course you know him better than I do."
"Come, Carl; it's too bad for you, too, to
join against me. However, I will forget and
forgive. Jule, my friend, Carl, has accepted
my invitation to make us a visit."
"I am very glad, I am sure," said Julia,
sincerely.
"And I want you to take him in, bag and
baggage, and convey him to our palace, while
I speed thither on my wheel."
"To be sure I will, and with great pleasure."
"Can't you get out and assist him into the
carriage, Jule?"
"Thank you," said Carl; "but though I am
somewhat old and quite infirm, I think I can
get in without troubling your sister. Are you
sure, Miss Vance, you won't be incommoded
by my gripsack?"
"Not at all."
"Then I will accept your kind offer."
In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, with
his valise at his feet.
"Won't you drive, Mr. Crawford?" said the
young lady.
"Don't let me take the reins from you."
"I don't think it looks well for a lady to
drive when a gentleman is sitting beside her."
Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.
"Now for a race!" said Gilbert, who was
mounted on his bicycle.
"All right!" replied Carl. "Look out for us!"
They started, and the two kept neck and
neck till they entered the driveway leading
up to a handsome country mansion.
Carl followed them into the house, and was
cordially received by Mr. and Mrs. Vance,
who were very kind and hospitable, and were
favorably impressed by the gentlemanly
appearance of their son's friend.
Half an hour later dinner was announced,
and Carl, having removed the stains of travel
in his schoolmate's room, descended to the dining-
room, and, it must be confessed, did ample
justice to the bounteousrepast spread before him.
In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he
played tennis, and had a trial at archery. The
hours glided away very rapidly, and six o'clock
came before they were aware.
"Gilbert," said Carl, as they were preparing
for tea, "you have a charming home."
"You have a nice house, too, Carl."
"True; but it isn't a home--to me.
There is no love there."
"That makes a great difference."
"If I had a father and mother like yours
I should be happy."
"You must stay here till day after tomorrow,
and I will devote to-morrow to a visit in
your interest to your home. I will beard the
lion in his den--that is, your stepmother.
Do you consent?"
"Yes, I consent; but it won't do any good."
"We will see."
CHAPTER III.
INTRODUCES PETER COOK.
Gilbert took the morning train to the town
of Edgewood Center, the residence of the Crawfords.
He had been there before, and knew
that Carl's home was nearly a mile distant
from the station. Though there was a hack
in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would
give him a chance to think over what he proposed
to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl's behalf.
He was within a quarter of a mile of his
destination when his attention was drawn to a
boy of about his own age, who was amusing
himself and a smaller companion by firing
stones at a cat that had taken refuge in a tree.
Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect,
and the poor cat moaned in affright, but did
not dare to come down from her perch, as this
would put her in the power of her assailant.
"That must be Carl's stepbrother, Peter,"
Gilbert decided, as he noted the boy's mean
face and turn-up nose. "Stoning cats seems
to be his idea of amusement. I shall take the
liberty of interfering."
Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.
"I hit her, Simon," he said. "Doesn't she
look seared?"
"You must have hurt her."
"I expect I did. I'll take a bigger stone next time."
He suited the action to the word, and picked
up a rock which, should it hit the poor cat,
would in all probability kill her, and prepared
to fire.
"Put down that rock!" said Gilbert, indignantly.
Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.
- nervous [´nə:vəs]
a.神经的；神经过敏的 (初中英语单词) - character [´kæriktə] n.特性；性质；人物；字 (初中英语单词)
- impression [im´preʃən] n.印刷；印象；效果 (初中英语单词)
- elephant [´elifənt] n.象 (初中英语单词)
- allowance [ə´lauəns] n.津贴；配给量；考虑 (初中英语单词)
- comparatively [kəm´pærətivli] ad.比较地；比较上 (初中英语单词)
- luxury [´lʌkʃəri] n.奢侈(品)；享受 (初中英语单词)
- minister [´ministə] n.部长；大臣 v.伺候 (初中英语单词)
- favorable [´feivərəbəl] a.赞成的；顺利的 (初中英语单词)
- appreciate [ə´pri:ʃieit] v.评价；珍惜；感激 (初中英语单词)
- invitation [,invi´teiʃən] n.邀请；请帖；吸引 (初中英语单词)
- convey [kən´vei] vt.运送；传达；转让 (初中英语单词)
- thither [´ðiðə] ad.到那里 a.那边的 (初中英语单词)
- assist [ə´sist] v.协助；援助；搀扶 (初中英语单词)
- charming [´tʃɑ:miŋ] a.可爱的；极好的 (初中英语单词)
- residence [´rezidəns] n.居住(期间)；住宅 (初中英语单词)
- waiting [´weitiŋ] n.等候；伺候 (初中英语单词)
- companion [kəm´pæniən] n.同伴；同事；伴侣 (初中英语单词)
- refuge [´refju:dʒ] v.&n.避难(所)；庇护 (初中英语单词)
- amusement [ə´mju:zmənt] n.娱乐；文娱设施 (初中英语单词)
- salesman [´seilzmən] n.店员；推销员 (高中英语单词)
- bicycle [´baisik(ə)l] n.自行车 (高中英语单词)
- tennis [´tenis] n.网球(运动) (高中英语单词)
- decided [di´saidid] a.明显的；决定的 (高中英语单词)
- heartily [´hɑ:tili] ad.衷心地；亲切地 (高中英语单词)
- probability [,prɔbə´biliti] n.或有；可能性 (高中英语单词)
- firmness [´fə:mnis] n.坚定；坚硬；稳定 (英语四级单词)
- overnight [,əuvə´nait] ad.通宵 a.昨晚的 (英语四级单词)
- bashful [´bæʃful] a.害羞的，忸怩的 (英语四级单词)
- hospitable [´hɔspitəbəl] a.好客的；招待周到的 (英语四级单词)
- affright [ə´frait] vt.&n.恐吓，恐惧 (英语四级单词)
- imposing [im´pəuziŋ] a.壮丽的，堂皇的 (英语六级单词)
- outrageous [aut´reidʒəs] a.横蛮的；残暴的 (英语六级单词)
- conceited [kən´si:tid] a.自负的；自夸的 (英语六级单词)
- bounteous [´bauntiəs] a.宽宏大量的；丰富的 (英语六级单词)
- repast [ri´pɑ:st] n.餐 vi.就餐，设宴 (英语六级单词)
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章节正文
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