THE NEW SCHOLAR. 15

equal the model scholar—the ‘ pattern of propriety ’—
even in outward appearance. I am sure I hope
Maurice is not such a stiff conceited fellow, looking
down upon everybody else.”

“Why,” said Dick Wells, “how should we know
how straight we ought to walk, or how sober we ought
_ to look, how perfectly we ought to recite, how still we
ought to be in school-hours, how obedient to the rules
of the school, if we had not some such perfect pattern
before us as Phil Graham !”

“Mr. Harding says,” said Louis Tarleton, a lame,
sickly-looking boy, leaning on a crutch, “that if we all
_ kept a Bible on our desks as Philip Graham does, and
studied it each day, we should all know how to do
right.”

This was a long and a bold speech for Louis Tarleton .
to make, and he coloured deeply, for all eyes turned
upon him,

“Tt is one thing to keep a Bible there, and another
thing to read it,” said Dick, whistling, and walking off.

“Qh, here they come !” said Frank Henley, “ cer-
tainly, straight towards the play-ground,” as Mr.
Harding and Maurice approached. Mr. Harding in-
troduced Maurice to his new friends, and all were
agreeably impressed by his kind gentlemanly manners,
his fine open countenance, and his pleasant smile ; there
was also a dignity and self-command about him above
his years, which inspired a feeling of respect.