He was always smart, but rather fly-a-way.

I couldn't place any dependence upon him once, but it is not so now.

I couldn't wish for a better boy.

I don't know what has come over him, but I hope it'll last." Dick happened to overhear his father speaking thus to a neighbor, and he only determined, with a commendable feeling of pride, that the change that had given his father so much pleasure should last.

It does a boy good to know that his efforts are appreciated.