Struggling Upward | Page 8

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. Duncan's residence. She was a general
favorite, not only for her good looks, but on account of her pleasant
manner and sweet disposition.
"Good morning, Florence," said Luke, with an answering smile.
"What a pity you lost the race yesterday!"
"Randolph doesn't think so."
"No; he is a very selfish boy, I am afraid."
"Did you see the race?" asked Luke.
"No, but I heard all about it. If it hadn't been for Tom Harper you
would have won, wouldn't you?"

"I think so."
"All the boys say so. What could have induced Tom to get in the way?"
"I don't know. It was very foolish, however. He got badly hurt."
"Tom is a friend of Randolph," said Florence significantly.
"Yes," answered Luke; "but I don't think Randolph would stoop to such
a trick as that."
"You wouldn't, Luke, but Randolph is a different boy. Besides, I hear
he was trying for something else."
"I know; his father offered him ten dollars besides."
"I don't see why it is that some fare so much better than others,"
remarked Florence, thoughtfully. "The watch and the money would
have done you more good."
"So they would, Florence, but I don't complain. I may be better off
some day than I am now."
"I hope you will, Luke," said Florence, cordially.
"I am very much obliged to you for your good wishes," said Luke,
warmly.
"That reminds me, Luke, next week, Thursday, is my birthday, and I
am to have a little party in the evening. Will you come?"
Luke's face flushed with pleasure. Though he knew Florence very well
from their being schoolfellows, he had never visited the house. He
properly regarded the invitation as a compliment, and as a mark of
friendship from one whose good opinion he highly valued.
"Thank you, Florence," he said. "You are very kind, and I shall have
great pleasure in being present. Shall you have many?"

"About twenty. Your friend Randolph will be there."
"I think there will be room for both of us," said Luke, with a smile.
The young lady bade him good morning and went on her way.
Two days later Luke met Randolph at the dry-goods store in the
village.
"What are you buying?" asked Randolph, condescendingly.
"Only a spool of thread for my mother."
"I am buying a new necktie to wear to Florence Grant's birthday party,"
said Randolph, pompously.
"I think I shall have to do the same," said Luke, enjoying the surprise
he saw expressed on Randolph's face.
"Are you going?" demanded Randolph, abruptly.
"Yes."
"Have you been invited?"
"That is a strange question," answered Luke, indignantly. "Do you
think I would go without an invitation?"
"Really, it will be quite a mixed affair," said Randolph, shrugging his
shoulders.
"If you think so, why do you go?"
"I don't want to disappoint Florence."
Luke smiled. He was privately of the opinion that the disappointment
wouldn't be intense.
CHAPTER VI

PREPARING FOR THE PARTY
The evening of the party arrived. It was quite a social event at Groveton,
and the young people looked forward to it with pleasant anticipation.
Randolph went so far as to order a new suit for the occasion. He was
very much afraid it would not be ready in time, but he was not to be
disappointed. At five o'clock on Thursday afternoon it was delivered,
and Randolph, when arrayed in it, surveyed himself with great
satisfaction. He had purchased a handsome new necktie, and he
reflected with pleasure that no boy present--not even Linton--would be
so handsomely dressed as himself. He had a high idea of his personal
consequence, but he was also of the opinion that "fine feathers make
fine birds," and his suit was of fine cloth and stylish make.
"I wonder what the janitor will wear?" he said to himself, with a curl of
the lip. "A pair of overalls, perhaps. They would be very appropriate,
certainly."
This was just the question which was occupying Luke's mind. He did
not value clothes as Randolph did,