Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/113

96 "We will now see what you know about English History," he announced.

The twins held their heads higher. They had been well taught, and Uncle Robert should see it. In fact, he did. He was surprised at the amount of what his little nephews had read, and still more at the thoroughness of their knowledge; but being of the old-fashioned opinion that praise was harmful, he gave none; going on with his questions in a harsh, cold voice, as if he suspected the boys of trying to take him in in some way. After English History, came Arithmetic; then Geography; then Grammar. Last of all Mr. McAllister requested them to write a page at his dictation. They came out with a brilliant record, and a wiser person would have told them that their honest efforts were very creditable to them, and that, having started in so good a manner, it the more behoved them to go on working well, and pleasing those set over their