All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

ALL IN A GARDEN FAIR. 215
be exactly a year and a half. Expect, therefore,
in a year and a Iialf that Allen will have a
com})lete knowledge of the People.'
That same evening he partly opened his
mind to Allen on the subject, keeping always
something behind, like a true conspirator.
' My disciple,' he said, * for three yeai-s and
more you have followed my counsels and been
guided by me. Are you satisfied, so far ? '
' Quite,' said Allen. ' You have taught me
more, far more, than I ever expected to learn
more than I had the least right to expect.'
' You have, my son, learned to write.
Claire tells me your verses arc no longer detest-
able but admirable. You have read a gi'eat
quantity of books ; you have begun to form a
style of your own.'
Allen blushed with pleasure. lie was still a
very young man, though between eighteen and
twenty-one there is a great space, almost a
gulf; but still he bhishcd when he was praised.
' You have received,' contimicd the Sago,
Nviih solenmily, ' a j)repaniti()n for your work