But Luke looked neither
depressed nor angry.
"I hope your watch keeps good time, Randolph," he said.
"Yes; it hasn't varied a minute so far. I think it will keep
as good time as my silver watch."
"You are fortunate to have two watches."
"My father has promised me a gold watch when I am eighteen,"
said Randolph, pompously.
"I don't know if I shall have any watch at all when I am eighteen."
"Oh, well, you are a poor boy. It doesn't matter to you."
"I don't know about that, Randolph. Time is likely to be
of as much importance to a poor boy as to a rich boy."
"Oh, ah! yes, of course, but a poor boy isn't expected to wear
a watch."
Here the conversation ended. Luke walked on with an
amused smile on his face.
"I wonder how it would seem to be as complacent and self-
satisfied as Randolph?" he thought. "On the whole, I would
rather be as I am."
"Good morning, Luke!"
It was a girl's voice that addressed him. Looking up, he met
the pleasant glance of Florence Grant, considered by many the
prettiest girl in Groveton. Her mother was a widow in easy
circumstances, who had removed from Chicago three years before,
and occupied a handsome cottage nearly opposite Mr.
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