have made excellent progress," said Oscar. "It is only two
months since you began French, and now you take a long lesson in
translation."

"That is because I have so good a teacher. But do you think I can
get along without help during the summer?"

"No doubt of it. You may find some difficulties, but those you can
mark, and I will explain when I come back. Or I'll tell you what is
still better. Write to me, and I'll answer. Shall I write in
French?"

"I wish you would, Oscar."

"Then I will. I'm rather lazy with the pen, but I can find time for
you. Besides, it will be a good way for me to keep up my French."

"Shall you be in Boston all summer, Oscar?"

"No; our family has a summer residence at Nahant, a sea-shore place
twelve miles from Boston. Then I hope father will let me travel
about a little on my own account. I want to go to Saratoga and Lake
George."

"That would be splendid."

"I wish you could go with me, Harry."

"Thank you, Oscar, but perhaps you can secure Fletcher's company.
That will be much better than that of a 'printer's devil' like
myself."

"It may show bad taste, but I should prefer your company,
notwithstanding your low employment."

"Thank you, Oscar. I am much obliged."

"Fitz has been hinting to me how nice it would be for us to go off
somewhere together, but I don't see it in that light. I asked him
why he didn't secure board with his cousin, the tin-pedler, but that
made him angry, and he walked away in disgust. But I can't help
pitying you a little, Harry."

"Why? On account of my occupation?"

"Partly. All these warm summer days, you have got to be working at
the case, while I can lounge in the shade, or travel for pleasure.
Sha'n't you have a vacation?"

"I don't expect any. I don't think I could well be spared. However,
I don't mind it. I hope to do good deal of studying while you are
gone."

"And I sha'n't do any."

"Neither would I, perhaps, in your position. But there's a good deal
of difference between us. You are a Latin and Greek scholar, and can
talk French, while I am at the bottom of the ladder. I have no time
to lose."

"You have begun to mount the ladder, Harry. Don't be discouraged.
You can climb up."

"But I must work for it. I haven't got high enough up to stop and
rest. But there is one question I want to ask you, before you go."

"What is it?"

"What French book would you recommend after I have finished this
Reader?