satisfaction one day, when his master expressed himself, with a
show of surprise, in these words: "So, Perry! I find you don't want
genius, when you think proper to use it." Such encomiums kindled
the spirit of emulation in his little breast; he exerted himself
with surprising alacrity, by which he soon acquitted himself of
the imputation of dullness, and obtained sundry honorary silver
pennies, as acknowledgments of his application; his school-fellows now
solicited his friendship as eagerly as they had avoided it before;
and in less than a twelvemonth after his arrival, this supposed
dunce was remarkable for the brightness of his parts; having in
that short period learnt to read English perfectly well, made great
progress in writing, enabled himself to speak the French language
without hesitation, and acquired some knowledge in the rudiments
of the Latin tongue. The usher did not fail to transmit an account
of his proficiency to the commodore, who received it with transport,
and forthwith communicated the happy tidings to the parents.

Mr. Gamaliel Pickle, who was never subject to violent emotions,
heard them with a sort of phlegmatic satisfaction, that scarce
manifested itself either in his countenance or expressions; nor
did the child's mother break forth into that rapture and admiration
which might have been expected, when she understood how much the
talents of her first-born had exceeded the hope of her warmest
imagination. Not but that she professed herself well pleased with
Perry's reputation; though she observed that in these commendations
the truth was always exaggerated by schoolmasters, for their own
interest; and pretended to wonder that the usher had not mingled
more probability with his praise. Trunnion was offended at her
indifference and want of faith and believing that she refined too
much in her discernment, swore that Jennings had declared the truth,