JACK SHOUT. 
191 
have to spell ever so many words; but you 
go right on, as smooth as can be.” 
“You would soon get over that if you 
would read aloud every day” said Richard, 
suppressing a smile at the idea of his having 
to spell words in reading. “ I expect you 
will get on famously wdien we begin our 
lessons together.” 
“Are you in earnest?” asked Jack. 
“When will you begin?” 
“Next week, perhaps, if you are well 
enough: you must not be in too much of a 
hurry, or you will make yourself sick again. 
I will ask grandfather about books, and we 
can talk it over the next time I come.” 
Jack lay a long time after the boys had 
left him, partly thinking over what Richard 
had read, partly wondering what made the 
difference between his new friends and him¬ 
self. There was certainly a great difference; 
for he could not help feeling as though it 
were an honour for them to come and see 
him. Richard was no older, and he was not 
by any means so strong or active as himself. 
To-be-sure, his grandfather was a very rich 
man and his father was a captain in the 
navy; but Jack did not think that was it. 
