It was not a bad fault, after all.

Boys need not necessarily be frivolous.

Play is a good thing, an excellent thing, in its place, and is as much a part of the boy's education as his grammar and arithmetic.

It not only develops his muscles, but enlarges his mental capacity; it not only fills with excitement the idle hours of the long day, but it sharpens the judgment, and helps to fit the boy for the active duties of life.
It need not be supposed, because Bobby had to turn his attention to serious things, that he was not fond of fun; that he could not or did not play.

At a game of round ball, he was a lucky fellow who secured him upon his side; for the same energy which made him a useful son rendered him a desirable hand in a difficult game.
When the supper things were all removed, the dishes washed and put away, Bobby drew out his pocket memorandum book.