CHAPTER XXIV.
Charlie Distinguishes Himself.
Charlie had now been many weeks under the hospitable roof of Mrs.Bird, improving in health and appearance.

Indeed, it would have been a wonder if he had not, as the kind mistress of the mansion seemed to do nought else, from day to day, but study plans for his comfort and pleasure.

There was one sad drawback upon the contentment of the dear old lady, and that was her inability to procure Charlie's admission to the academy.
One morning Mr.Whately called upon her, and, throwing himself into a chair, exclaimed: "It's all to no purpose; their laws are as unalterable as those of the Medes and Persians--arguments and entreaty are equally thrown away upon them; I've been closeted at least half a dozen times with each director; and as all I can say won't make your _protege_ a shade whiter, I'm afraid his admission to the academy must be given up." "It's too bad," rejoined Mrs.Bird.

"And who, may I ask, were the principal opposers ?" "They all opposed it, except Mr.Weeks and Mr.Bentham." "Indeed!--why they are the very ones that I anticipated would go against it tooth and nail.

And Mr.Glentworth--surely he was on our side ?" "He!--why, my dear madam, he was the most rabid of the lot.