Mother is so pretty, and I am sure I am not the least bit in the world; and I don't think it's nice for a boy to be like a woman." This was rather a sore point with Ralph, who had a smooth soft face with large eyes and long eyelashes, and who had, in consequence, been nicknamed "Sally" by his schoolfellows.

The name had stuck to him in spite of several desperate fights, and the fact that in point of strength and activity he was fully a match for any boy of his own age; but as there was nothing like derision conveyed by it, and it was indeed a term of affection rather, than of contempt, Ralph had at last ceased to struggle against it.

But he longed for the time when the sprouting of whiskers would obliterate the obnoxious smoothness of his face.

Mr.Penfold had smiled at his remark.
"I do not like girlish boys, Ralph; but a boy can have a girlish face and yet be a true boy all over.

I fancy that's your case.
"I hope so, sir.