CHAPTER X.
WATERLOO It was not until three years had passed and Sandy had reached his junior year that his real achievement was put to the test.
After that harrowing experience in the Hollis driveway, he had seen Ruth Nelson but twice.

She had spent the winters at boarding-school, and in the summers she traveled with her aunt.

She was still the divinity for whom he shaped his end, the compass that always brought him back to the straight course.

He looked upon her possible recognition and friendship as a man looks upon his reward in heaven.
In the meantime he suffered himself to be consoled by less distant joys.
The greatest spur he had to study was Martha Meech.

She thought he was a genius; and while he found it a bit irksome to live up to his reputation, he made an honest effort to deserve it.
One spring afternoon the two were under the apple-trees, with their books before them.