Martin's facility, both of
invention and execution, being remarkable, the grammar-school proceeded
with great vigour; and Tom repeatedly declared, that if there were
anything like certainty in human affairs, or impartiality in human
judges, a design so new and full of merit could not fail to carry off
the first prize when the time of competition arrived. Without being
quite so sanguine himself, Martin had his hopeful anticipations too; and
they served to make him brisk and eager at his task.
'If I should turn out a great architect, Tom,' said the new pupil one
day, as he stood at a little distance from his drawing, and eyed it with
much complacency, 'I'll tell you what should be one of the things I'd
build.'
'Aye!' cried Tom. 'What?'
'Why, your fortune.'
'No!' said Tom Pinch, quite as much delighted as if the thing were done.
'Would you though? How kind of you to say so.'
'I'd build it up, Tom,' returned Martin, 'on such a strong foundation,
that it should last your life--aye, and your children's lives too, and
their children's after them. I'd be your patron, Tom. I'd take you under
my protection.
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