Struggling Upward, or Luke Larkin's Luck

the occasion. He was very much afraid it would not be ready in time, but he was not to be disappointed. At five o'clock on Thursday afternoon it was delivered, and Randolph, when arrayed in it,

was also of the opinion that "fine feathers make fine b

mself, with a curl of the lip. "A pair of overalls,

o school, and a better suit, which he had worn for over a year. It was of mixed cloth, neat in appearance, though showing signs of wear; but there was one trouble. During the past year Luke had grown considerably, and his coat-

look bad, mother?"

ean, Luke," said his

; but they a

Luke," said his mother, looking a little dis

smile, "but I wish my coat a

, I could afford to

his cheerfulness. "They will do for a little whi

e girl. She values yo

omely Randolph will be dressed, I can't help thinkin

lling to exchang

ing I wouldn't l

hat is

the widow affectionately. "His mother is a cold, proud, di

rightened, and there was a warm feeling in her heart, for it w

r," said Luke. "I've got a new necktie,

a knock at the door,

come round and go t

" he

sly, like Randolph. He didn't appear to notice Luke's scant suit. Eve

o at Mrs. Grant's. Florence is a nice girl, and they know

"I should like to have taken lessons last winter when

e seen d

, y

rticularly if you get on a side set. Come, we have an ho

d learn enough in th

n't matter. So, if your mother will give us the use

in his directions. It may also be said that Luke was a ready learner. So it happened at the end of the hour that the pupil had been initiated not only

d Linton, when the lesson was concl

won't be awkw

p cool and don'

shall be rather surprised to see

be, but you'll have

ning against the wall while o

l as you can skate you wou

e Randolph has th

owever, dancing isn't everything. Dance as well as he may, he doesn't st

that he seemed par

returned. How abo

a modest b

Florence a very n

that," said L

in your way, Linton," con

ow, you are nearly two years older than she, and are be

tracted by Florence Grant than by any other, and they had always been excellent friends. It was well know

rge upon the ground, with a broad veranda, in the Southern style. In fact, Mrs. Grant was Southern b

d Linton put in an appearance. They had been detain

ting side by side at one end of

n his dress suit. Just look at his coat-sleeves and the legs of his trousers. They are at least t

he words, he guessed their tenor. But he was made to forget them when Flore