spect. It was
brightly lighted up; its white walls were festooned with wreaths of
flowers; its oak floor was polished and chalked for the dancers; and
its windows were all open to admit the pleasant summer air and the
perfume of flowers, so much more refreshing in the evening than at any
other time of the day.

At a very early hour the young ladies and gentlemen of the school, whose
gala dresses needed but the addition of wreaths and bouquets for the
evening, began to gather in the drawing room; the girls looking very
pretty in their white muslin dresses, pink sashes, and coronets of red
roses; and the boys very smart in their holiday clothes, with rosebuds
stuck into their buttonholes. Ishmael was made splendid by the addition
of his gold watch and chain, and famous by his success of the morning.
All the girls, and many of the boys, gathered around him, sympathizing
with his triumph and complimenting him upon his abilities. Ishmael was
clearly the hero of the evening; but he bore himself with an aspect half
of pleasure, half of pain, until Walter Middleton approached him, and
taking his arm walked him down the room, until they were out of earshot
from the others, when he said:

"Now do, Ishmael, put off that distressed look and enjoy your success as
you ought! Make much of your watch, my boy! I know if it were not for
thoughts of me, you would enjoy the possession of it vastly--would you
not, now?"

"Yes," said Ishmael, "I would."

"You would not be a 'human boy,' if you didn't. I know well enough I was
near losing my wits with delight in the first watch I possessed,
although it was but a trumpery little silver affair! Well, now, Ishmael,
enjoy your possession without a drawback. I assure you, upon record, I
am very glad you got the prize. You deserved the honor more than I did,
and you needed the watch more. For see here, you know I have a gold one
of my own already--my mother's gift to me on my last birthday,"
continued Walter, taking out and displaying his school watch. "Now what
could I do with two? So, Ishmael, let me see you enjoy yours, or else I
shall feel unhappy," he concluded, earnestly pressing his friend's hand.

"Walter Middleton, what do you mean, sir, by stealing my thunder in that
way? It is my property that you are carrying off! Ishmael is my protege,
my liege subject. Bring him back, sir! I want to show his watch to my
companions," spoke the imperious voice of Miss Merlin.

"Come, Ishmael; you