We have taken up much of your time, and no doubt have tried your patience more than once.

If we have improved, as you were kind enough to say, we feel that it is principally owing to our good fortune in having so skilful a teacher.

We wish to present you some testimonial of the regard which we have for you, and accordingly ask your acceptance of this copy of 'Abbott's Life of Napoleon.' We should have been glad to give you something more valuable, but we are sure you will value the gift for other reasons than its cost." Here Charles Reynolds sat down, and all eyes were turned toward Mr.
Morton.

It was evident that he was taken by surprise.

It was equally evident that he was much gratified by this unexpected token of regard.
He rose and with much feeling spoke as follows: "My dear boys, for you must allow me to call you so, I can hardly tell you how much pleasure your kind gift has afforded me.