The second letter was contained in a yellow envelope, of cheap texture, and was much more plebeian in appearance than the first.

Again we will look over Mr. Roscoe’s shoulder, and read what it contains.  It was postmarked Smithville, and the envelope was disfigured by a blot.  It commenced: 

“Dear sir:-It gives me pleasure to answer your inquiries respecting my school.  I have about fifty pupils, part of whom, say one-third, are boarders.  Though I say it myself, it will be hard to find any school where more thorough instruction is given.  I look upon my pupils as my children, and treat them as such.  My system of government is, therefore, kind and parental, and my pupils are often homesick in vacation, longing for the time to come when they can return to their studies at Smith Institute.  It is the dearest wish of Mrs. Smith and myself to make our young charges happy, and to advance them, by pleasant roads over flowery meads, to the inner courts of knowledge.

“Humbug!” muttered Mr. Roscoe.  “I understand what all that means.”  He continued: 

“I hope you will not consider three hundred dollars per annum too much for such parental care.  Considering the present high price of provisions, it is really as low a price as we can afford to receive.

“I shall be glad if you consider my letter favorable and decide to place your nephew under my charge.  Yours respectfully,

“Socrates Smith, A. M.”

“That is more reasonable,” said Mr. Roscoe, to himself, as he laid down the letter.  “Three hundred dollars I consider a fair price.  At any rate, I do not propose to pay any more for Hector.  I suppose the table is plain enough, but I don’t believe in pampering the appetites of boys.  If he were the master of Roscoe Hall, as he thinks he is, there might be some propriety in it; but upon that head I shall soon undeceive him.  I will let him understand that I am the proprietor of the estate, and that he is only a dependent on my bounty.  I wonder how he will take it.  I dare say he will make a fuss, but he shall soon be made to understand that it is of no use.  Now to answer these letters.”

Mr. Roscoe sat down in a luxurious armchair, and, drawing pen and paper toward him, wrote first to Dr. Radix.  I subjoin the letter, as it throws some light upon the character of the writer: 

“Roscoe Hall, Sept. 10th.  Dr. Dionysius radix.

“My dear sir:-I am in receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, answering my inquiries in regard to your school.  Let me say at once that I find your terms too high.  Five hundred dollars a year for forty weeks’ board and schooling seems to me an exorbitant price to ask.  Really, at this rate, education will soon become a luxury open only to the wealthy.