40 BRAGGADOCIO.

easy for a looker-on to believe he heard a low
growl.

George Cramer was tall for a boy of four®
teen ; slender and active. Howard Framingham
was heavily built, shorter by several inches
than George, but strong and muscular.

Mrs. Cramer in a moment recovered her
habitual self-command ; “ Come, my children,”
said she, “let us be seated.” They gladly
dropped into their chairs, the boys. still
continuing to gaze at each other without
speaking. “We are to pass a few days in
town,” continued Mrs. Cramer, “and I hope,
pleasantly, as there are many objects of curiosity
and interest which I should like to show our
young friend.”

The young friend was shy and awkward.
He made an attempt to speak, but no words
were heard. He seemed troubled to know
where to put his hands, and continually
changed the position of his feet.

“The boy is cold, reserved, and bashful,”
thought Mrs. Cramer; “but then, he is an
orphan stranger, and I must be warm and
kind.”