He was quick to learn, when he applied himself; but he was indolent, and did not like to take the trouble of studying his lessons.

Whenever he could be made to take hold of a lesson in earnest, he soon mastered it; but the consciousness of this power often led him to put off his lessons to the last minute, and then perhaps something would happen to prevent his preparing himself at all.
A day or two after the "kitchen scene" described in the preceding chapter, Oscar was sitting at his desk in the school-room, with an open book before him, but with his eyes idly staring at a blackboard affixed to one of the walls.

The teacher watched him a moment, and then spoke to him.
"Oscar," he said, "what do you find so very fascinating about that blackboard?
You have been looking at it very intently for several minutes--what do you see that interests you so!" Oscar hung his head, but made no reply.
"Are you ready to recite your geography lesson ?" continued the master.
"No, sir." "Why do you not study it, then'" "I don't feel like studying," replied Oscar.
"Very well," said the teacher, quite pleasantly; "if you don't feel like it, you need n't study.

You may come here." Oscar stepped out to the platform on which the teacher's desk was placed.
"There," continued the master, pointing to a blackboard facing the school, "you may stand there and look at that board just as long as you please.

But you must not look at anything else, and I would advise you not to let me catch your eyes turning either to the right or the left.
Now mind and keep your eyes on the board, and when you feel like studying let me know." Oscar took the position pointed out to him, with his back towards the boys, and with his face so near the blackboard, that he could see nothing else without turning his head--an operation that would be sure to attract the attention of the master.