"I never
saw a fellow put on so many airs. He is altogether too aristocratic
to associate with ordinary people."
"Yes," said Oscar, "he has a foolish pride, which I hope he will some
time get rid of."
"He ought to have been born in England, and not in a republic."
"If he had been born in England, he would have been unhappy unless he
had belonged to the nobility," said Alfred DeWitt.
"Look here, boys," said Tom Carver, "what do you say to mortifying
Fitz's pride?"
"Have you got a plan in view, Tom? If so, out with it."
"Yes: you know the pedler that comes into town about once a month to
buy up rags, and sell his tinwares."
"I have seen him. Well, what of him?"
"He is coming early next week. Some of us will see him privately,
and post him up as to Fitz's relations and position, and hire him to
come up to school, and inquire for Fitz, representing himself as his
cousin. Of course Fitz will deny it indignantly, but he will persist
and show that he knows all about the family."
"Good! Splendid!" exclaimed the boys laughing. "Won't Fitz be
raving?"
"There's no doubt about that. Well, boys, I'll arrange it all, if
you'll authorize me."
"Go ahead, Tom. You can draw upon us for the necessary funds."
Fletcher had retired to his room, angry at the opposition his
proposal had received, and without any warning of the humiliation
which awaited him.
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