g."

Away the boys bounded, as only school-boys can, shouting and laughing,
and playing off harmless practical jokes upon each other. They soon
reached that part of the river where the boats were hauled up on the
bank.

"Who will lend Ross a boat?" inquired Hall, as he stepped into his,
and began preparing for the race.

"I will," said Moore; "here, jump in, youngster, and let's see what
you're made of."

Leslie seated himself in the boat which Moore pushed into the stream.
"You see that solitary tree about a quarter of a mile farther on?
well, that's the winning post," said Moore; "now then, all ready? one,
two, three, off."

Away the boats flew. Leslie found he had all his work cut out to beat
Hall, who, if not so skilful as himself in the use of the oars, was
much older and stronger. The other boys ran along the bank shouting
and waving their caps by way of encouragement. The two boats for a
third of the way kept even pace, then Hall's gradually forged a-head,
and, try all he could, Leslie was unable to regain the lost space, so
that, when the winning post was reached, Hall won by quite a boat's
length.

"Come," said Hall, as he stepped out of his boat on their return, and
gently patted Leslie on the shoulder, "come, I think you and I are
likely to be good friends."

Leslie thought so too, although he felt a little hurt at having been
beaten.

In the doctor's dining-room Leslie was introduced to Mrs Price, who
gave him a very kindly welcome, and when he looked up into her
pleasant face, he thought he should be sure to like her, and hoped
that he would have many opportunities of being in her company; but
when Leslie was introduced to the doctor's little daughter, a year
younger than himself, he was quite charmed, and decided in his own
mind that the world could not possess a prettier creature than Maud
Price.

Leslie had not been much accustomed to the society of girls, and in
consequence felt quite bashful when he found himself seated next to
her at table; but her quiet, easy, and graceful manner speedily put
him at his ease; and during the progress of dinner he could not
refrain from stealing a few glances at her face and eyes. The little
lady, however, was very quiet, and, until dessert was placed on the
table, said not a word, when, lifting up her eyes to his face, she
said,--

"Have you come to be a school-boy?"

"Yes, and this is my first school."

"I'm so sorry, because school-boys are so noi