He was from Buffalo,
and, although twenty-two years of age, was preparing to enter
college. His tales of the big city and his frank good-fellowship
made him a welcome guest. Soon he was known to all as "Dick"--his
name being Richard Roberts. It was not long before Dick knew
everybody and everybody knew Dick, including Polly, and thought him
a fine fellow. Soon Trove came to know that when he was detained a
little after school Dick went home with Polly. That gave him no
concern, however, until Dick ceased to visit him, and he saw a
change in the girl.
One day, two letters came for Trove. They were in girlish
penmanship and bore no signature, but stung him to the quick.
"For Heaven's sake get a new hat," said one.
"You are too handsome to neglect your clothes," said the other.
As he read them, his cheeks were burning with his shame. He went
for his hat and looked it over carefully. It was faded, and there
was a little rent in the crown. His boots were tapped and mended,
his trousers threadbare at the knee, and there were two patches on
his coat.
"I hadn't thought of it," said he, with a sigh. Then he went for a
talk with Darrel.
"Did you ever see a more shabby-looking creature?" he inquired, as
Darrel came to meet him.
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