Why did he wish to be more?
"What a fine young man Clyde is!" I heard some one remark who sat behind us.

"It is said he is the most promising student in the university." "Yes," was the reply.

"I have heard that several wealthy gentlemen in Boston are going to send him to Europe to complete his education, as his own income will not allow him to incur the expense." "That is a great compliment," observed the first voice, "and I have no doubt he deserves it.

They say, too, that he is betrothed to a young girl in the country, very pretty, but in most indigent circumstances,--an early attachment,--children's romance." Was it possible that village gossip had reached these venerable walls?
But hark to the other voice.
"I have heard so, but they say she has been adopted by a rich lady, whose name I have forgotten.

Her own mother was of very mysterious and disreputable character, I am told, whom no one visited or respected.
Quite an outcast." I started as if an arrow had passed through my ears, or rather entered them, for it seemed quivering there.