t him by two wickets.

After three games Herbert proposed ball, and Robert, who felt more at
home in this game, agreed to it.

"You'd better join us, George," said his cousin.

"No, I thank you. I have no inclination, I assure you."

"I don't see what fun there can be in sitting on the piazza."

"You forget that I have an opportunity of witnessing your friend's
superior playing."

His tone made it clear to Robert that this was a sneer, but he had too
much self-respect and too much regard for Herbert to take offense at
it.

"You mean my awkwardness," he said. "You are quite welcome to the
amusement it must afford you."

George arched his brows in surprise.

"Really this ragged boy is talking to me as if he considered me his
equal," he thought. "It is Herbert's fault. He should not treat him so
familiarly. I really don't care to be in such company."

"You must excuse me, Herbert," said George, rising with suitable
dignity. "As you are provided with company, you can spare me. I will go
into the house and read for a while."

"Very well, George."

"I hope I haven't driven your cousin away, Herbert," said Robert.

"I don't care whether you have or not, Bob," said Herbert, "I'm awfully
disappointed in him. Papa invited him to visit us, thinking he would be
company for me, but, instead of that, he objects to everything I
propose. I find it very hard to entertain him."

"He doesn't appear to fancy me," said Robert.

"Don't mind him, Bob. He's a mean, stuck-up fellow, if he is my
cousin."

"Perhaps he is not to blame. I am only a poor boy, belonging to a
fisherman's family. I am afraid I am not a suitable associate for you or
him," said Robert with proud humility.

"No more of that talk, Bob," said Herbert. "You're suitable for me,
anyhow, and I like you twice as much as my cousin. I don't care how you
are dressed, as long as you are a good fellow."

"At any rate, you are a good fellow, Herbert," said Robert warmly. "I
liked you the very first day I saw you."

"And I can say the same for you. Bob. Well, never mind about George.
Leave him to his book. We'll amuse ourselves better."

As Robert was playing he caught sight of his uncle on his way to the
tavern. He knew, therefore, that he could return home without danger of
annoyance, and he excused himself to Herbert. As it was doubtful whether
he could get anything to do in the village and as the boat would not be
in use, he concluded to go out and see if