340 
JACK SHORT. 
very pretty. I guess I could make it if I 
had the picture to look at. I love to tinker 
about such things.” 
“I will ask grandfather if he will lend 
you the book,” said Richard. “ There are 
a great many designs in it, and some of 
them are beautiful. And what about the 
lessons?” he added, drawing him aside, (for 
he saw that the presence of the girls em¬ 
barrassed him.) “Do you want to go on ?” 
“ If you will, Dick,—if you are not afraid, 
and if you are not tired of trying to teach 
such a blockhead.” 
“Oh, I am not afraid,” replied Richard, 
smiling; “ and, as to your dulness, I don’t 
believe it is your fault. We don’t get started 
right, somehow. I mean to ask Miss Taylor 
about it. I will come up to-night, then, and 
bring the book, if grandfather says I may.” 
Jack departed, with his heart much 
lighter than he had supposed it ever would 
be again, and Richard returned to his com¬ 
panions. He found Annie looking very 
angry. 
“So, Richard,” she commenced, “you 
are going to take up that wicked boy again, 
are you, and bring him here as a com- 
