This pond was about a mile from the village and probably about a mile and a half in circuit. At the farther end was a small hill crowned with forest trees.

“That would be a fine situation for a house.”

“Yes,” said Herbert, “but it would be hard to get at.”

“Oh, of course a road would have to be built connecting with the highway. Perhaps you will build a house there when you are a rich man.”

“Then I shall have to wait a few years,” said Herbert.

“You wouldn't be the first poor boy that has grown rich. My own father is rich now, but when he was of your age he was only a poor 'bobbin boy' working at scanty² pay in the factory of which he is now owner.”

“I should like to be rich for my mother's sake,” said Herbert.

“With money one can do a great deal of good, though not all rich men choose to apply their riches worthily³. How smooth the water is to-day! Isn't there a boat somewhere that we can use?”

“There's one a few rods from here, but it belongs to James Leech⁴.”

“Would it do to take it, do you think?”

“It might do for you but not for me.”

“Why not for you?”

“James and I are not very good friends.”

“Why not?”

“He looks down upon me because I am poor.”

“So he is inclined to put on airs on account of his father's money?”

“I should say he is.”

“Let us go and see the boat at any rate.”

Herbert led the way through a meadow to a clump⁵ of trees, where a small rowboat floated upon the water.

“Does Leech often go out in it?”

“Two or three times a week.”

“It is just about large enough for two, though it would easily accommodate one more.”

“Yes.”

“If I thought your friend would not be round I should be

分享到：