Chapter 20

GOSSIP.

Talk which Nat created--scene in the sewing circle--use of spare moments--boys who read their leisure moments not get into mischief--old Mrs. Lane on education--her ideas about his going to hear Webster and Everett and the book in his pocket--how much time he saves a day for reading--wants more boys like Nat--his going to the party--sympathy for the slighted--explanation of the scene--waiting upon the slighted girls--the effect of it--Nat's decision, independence, and kind-hearted nature enabled him to do it--like Robert Burns in this respect 206-213