en
employed on them; consequently, he could scarcely fail to obtain a
similar success in all.

The prizes consisted chiefly of books, mathematical instruments, and
drawing materials. After they were distributed, the chairman once more
rose, and congratulating Ernest on his success, complimented the Doctor
on having educated so promising a pupil and on the admirable discipline
of the school itself.

The visitors and boys repaired to the large dining-hall, where a
handsome dinner was spread.

"Why, Doctor, you have given us a magnificent feast," exclaimed Mr
Bouldon, who had come to see his son. "I suspect you youngsters don't
get such a dinner as this every day."

"But indeed we do," shouted out Tom Bouldon. "Ask the Doctor; he'll not
tell you an untruth."

"Your son states what is the case," replied the Doctor, "except,
perhaps, with regard to quantity--we have certainly the same quality of
food every day, and served in the same way. My object is to make my
boys gentlemen in all the minor as well as in all the more important
points of breeding. I believe that it is important for this object to
give them from the first gentlemanly habits which can never be
eradicated. They all, I hope, love their homes for their domestic ties,
but for no other reason do I wish them to prefer any place to their
school. The result is, I rejoice to say, that we have no Black Monday
at Grafton Hall, and that I see as happy, smiling faces in most
instances at the commencement of a half-year as I do at the end of it,
when they are about to quit me."

Ernest had never made an impromptu speech before, but he could not now
resist the impulse he felt, so rising, he exclaimed--

"What the Doctor says, ladies and gentlemen, is very true. I, as the
head of the school, and just about to leave, may assuredly be considered
good evidence. He has made the school a happy home to us all; he has
made us like learning by the pleasant way in which he has imparted
knowledge to us, at the same time that he has shown us the importance of
working out most branches of it for ourselves. He has invariably
treated us justly; and while he has acted towards us with strictness, he
has also never failed in his kindness under all circumstances, and at
all times. He has always been indulgent when he could, and has done
everything to insure our health, our comfort, and amusement; I cannot
say more. It is my belief that Grafton Hall is one of the happiest