Had he been on good terms with Frank, he
would have asked him to read over the lesson, which, as he was
naturally quick, would have enabled him to get off passably. But,
of course, under the circumstances, this was not to be thought
of. So he stumbled through two or three sentences, in an
embarrassed manner. Mr. Rathburn at first helped him along.
Finding, however, that he knew little or nothing of the lesson,
he quietly requested Frank to read, saying, "You don't seem so
well prepared as usual, John."
Frank translated fluently and well, his recitation forming a very
favorable contrast to the slipshod attempt of John. This John, in
a spirit of unreasonableness, magnified into a grave offense, and
a desire to "show off" at his expense.
"Trying to shine at my expense," he muttered. "Well, let him! Two
or three years hence, when I am in college, perhaps things may be
a little different."
Frank noticed his repellent look, and it made him feel
uncomfortable. He was a warm-hearted boy, and wanted to be on
good terms with everybody.
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