human
Your city schools are admirable, and were we actual residents, housekeeping, I should ask nothing better for my boy. Some of your finest public men, I am told, Mrs. Gower, have sat at those desks.
gpt
Yes, so I have always heard; but I think, in Garfield's case, you have acted wisely. A boy coming from school to hotel life, has every incentive not to study.
human
Yes, that's just it. At the U. C. College, the example will be there in the other boys at their books, and I consider it a great boon to be able to place him under such management. The masters are talented gentlemen; and if a boy does not make something of himself under such guidance, mentally, morally and physically, then he must be made of very poor stuff, indeed.
gpt
Garfield, dear, said his mother,
human
Oh, yes, I know; but they are the stuff, mamma. You see they give a fellow cricket, and drill, as well as book knowledge.
gpt
Yes, they are wise; you will study all the better. See that you make a man of yourself while there,
human
I shall never forget my goal, papa.
gpt
And what is that?
human
To be President Dale, of the United States of America; and I reckon, when I run, my opponents won't have any dirty stories to rake up about me, for I'm going to begin right now.
gpt
But they frequently coin falsehoods. What would you do in that case?
human
Put mamma on their trail; have 'em up, and make 'em swallow or prove them.
gpt
All right, my ten-year-old; mother will be your right hand man,
human
I expect the lies men have to face in the arena of public life are their worst foes, said Mrs. Gower.
gpt
Beecher said, 'If the lies told about public men could be materialized, they would roof in and cover over the whole earth.'
human
He spoke feelingly, said Mr. Dale;
gpt
Dames Rumor and Grundy, with the newspapers, had him in a tight place.
human
Shall we go on further, Henry, and purchase the mattress, etc., for Garfield?
gpt
No, I think not, Ella; I have to meet Dickson, from New York, at the Walker House, at six; can't you come in the morning, dear?
human
Oh, yes.
gpt
Do you dine with your friend, Mr. Dale?
human
Yes; so we arranged.
gpt
Then you come back with me, Ella, and this wee man, of course?
human
Yes, if we don't weary you.
gpt
You know better, dear. Oh, Mr. Dale, will you kindly go into Mr. Smyth's office, and say we find it impossible to go over this evening, but will to-morrow--_sans ceremonie_, if agreeable.
human
Consider your commission executed, dear Mrs. Gower. I shall drive up for you, Ella, this evening some time; _au revoir_,