"Yes, that's all very well," says Molly, shaking her head. "I do try to do that, I'm sure; but if you won't help yourself, _I_ can't help you. And look here, Hugh, it is all very well to say you will do it to please _me_; but what about your mother, who I know worries _dreadfully_ about you? It's downright wicked of you, when you come to think of it. Upon my word it is."
"So it is, Molly. You are quite right, and I deserve every word you are saying," says Hugh dejectedly.
"Now, will you make me a promise, like a dear, good boy?"
"Yes, that I will!" he cries with energy. "And what is more, I will keep it, my wise little mentor."
"That is right, Hugh. Well, I won't say anything about to-morrow, of course, because until that has come and gone I don't suppose we shall any of us know whether we are on our heads or our heels. But will you promise me that the next day you will really set to work--real _hard_ work, such as other young men do? Then you will soon make up for lost time, with your talents, which it is perfectly _sinful_ to throw away. You will very soon get used to it, and after a bit it won't seem such a trouble to you to work. And look here, Hugh," she adds, suddenly growing grave, and speaking in a whisper, "'Help yourself, and God will help you,' you know. Now, will you promise me?" And looking anxiously up into her companion's face, Molly holds out her hand.
"I will, Molly; upon my word I will," replies Hugh earnestly. And taking the girl's hand in both his own, he adds, "What a dear, good girl you are, Molly, and how I wish I had a sister like you! Ah! never fear, I shall fire away now and pass all my exams, in less than no time; and then you shall see what I can do afterwards, Miss Molly!"
"O, yes!" says the girl, moving towards the door, "I have no fear for you when once the studying is over; it is _that_ which is the stumbling-block, eh? But thanks so very, very much for your promise, dear Hugh. I consider your exams, all as good as passed, now that I have that. Hark! there they are calling us. All right--coming!" And away she darts down the passage, all life and fun again.
Hugh follows, in time to see her pounced upon by all the four boys, who, it seems, are in the midst of a violent dispute as to who shall have the honour of carrying in the several portions of the shoe next door. At last the question is settled, and the parts are carried with much caution and solemnity out of the Hortons' house and into the Merivales' by the three elder boys, Molly, escorted by Ted and little Joey bringing up the rear with the laces, &c.