CHAPTER IX.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF BOYS.
Ham Morris was a thoughtful and kind-hearted fellow, beyond a doubt; and he was likely to be a valuable friend for a growing boy like Dab Kinzer.
It is not everybody's brother-in-law who would find time during his wedding-trip to hunt up even so pretty a New-England village as Grantley, and inquire into questions of board and lodging and schooling.
That was precisely what Ham did, however; and Miranda went with him of course.
Mrs.Myers, to the hospitalities of whose cool and roomy-looking house he had been commended by Mr.Hart, was so "crowded full with summer boarders," liberally advertised for in the great city, that she had hardly a corner left in which to stow away Ham and his bride, for even one night.

She was glad enough, however, that she had made the effort, and found one, after she discovered the nature of the stranger's errand in Grantley, and that it included "winter board" for a whole boy.
There was a look of undisguised astonishment on the faces of the regular guests when they gathered for the next meal.

It happened to be supper, but they all looked at the table and then at one another.

It was a pity Ham and Miranda did not understand the meaning of those glances, or else that they did not make a longer stay with Mrs.Myers.They might have learned more about her and her boarding-house, if not about the academy.
As it was, they only gathered a very high opinion of her cookery and hospitality, as well as an increase of respect for the "institution of learning," and for that excellent gentleman Mr.Hart; with a dim hope that Dabney Kinzer might be permitted to enjoy the inestimable advantages offered by Grantley and Mrs.Myers, and the society of Mr.
Hart's two wonderful boys.
Miranda was inclined to stand up for her brother somewhat, but finally agreed with Ham, that,-- "What Dabney needs is schooling and polish, my dear.

It'll be good for him to board in the same house with two such complete young gentlemen as the Hart boys." "Of course, Ham.