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    CHAPTER XIX.   COMING AND GOING.   Ben Drake's visit—the welcome of Frank—Mrs. Martin's questions—surprise at learning that Ben is a Christian—going to the prayer-meeting—Frank surprised to hear Ben speak—goes to tell Nat the next morning—their conversation—Ben calls around—announcement that Webster would speak in Boston—Nat's resolve to hear him—the walk to Boston—the speech—Nat's observation and remarks—power of the human voice—hearing Edward Everett—walks to hear other speakers—learned much of the use of language and oratory by observation—so with Robert Bloomfield—the charm of the voice 196-205     CHAPTER XX.   GOSSIP.   Talk which Nat created—scene in the sewing circle—use of spare moments—boys who read their leisure moments not get into mischief—old Mrs. Lane on education—her ideas about his going to hear Webster and Everett and the book in his pocket—how much time he saves a day for reading—wants more boys like Nat—his going to the party—sympathy for the slighted—explanation of the scene—waiting upon the slighted girls—the effect of it—Nat's decision, independence, and kind-hearted nature enabled him to do it—like Robert Burns in this respect 206-213     CHAPTER XXI.   GOING TO THE THEATRE.   Nat's desire to witness a tragedy played—resolve to go and hear Booth—talk with his companions—what would be said—the evening of his visit—the play—after conversation with his companions—the bar—why vices connected with theatres—can they be severed from it—Nat wants to hear more—at home at one o'clock—outside remarks afterwards—his course criticized—went a number of times thereafter—his object in going good—yet it was not safe—-the Roman youth at the amphitheatre—so with theatre-goers—theatres always been schools of vice—acts of Congress against—vain attempt to make theatres respectable in Boston—the legend of Tertullian—the actor Macready exposed the vice of theatres—Judge Bulstrode's charge—Sir Matthew Hale's experience in boyhood—opinion of the infidel Rousseau 214-225     CHAPTER XXII.   THE DRAMATIC SOCIETY.   The proposition—how it was met—they undertake it—how the theatre creates love of such amusement—the nephew who became an actor by hearing—playing Macbeth—make their own scenery—Nat wrote constitution—evening of the organization—evening of the first play—a success—remarks of Mr Graves adverse to such performances—talk in the village—remarks of old Mrs. Lane—why Nat does it—conversation with Charlie—Nat opposed to being an actor—desire to be a statesman 226-234     CHAPTER XXIII.   THE SURPRISE.   The news—discussion in the town lyceum—occasioned by the dramatic society—the question "Are dramatical exhibitions beneficial to society?"—the evening of the debate—Nat goes—Mr. Bryant's remarks on the low origin of theatres—remarks of another on the immorality of actors—of another on the profane and vulgar parts of plays—seven thousand indecent sentences in English plays—King James the First—Addison's view—the class of persons who patronize theatres—Nat's excitement—Frank's question—Nat's attention—rises to speak—the surprise of the audience—his argument and eloquence astonished all—remark of Dr. Holt—reminds us of Patrick Henry—description of his first plea—his triumph—Charlie's view—Nat's argument changed no one's view—his eloquence they admired—invited to join town lyceum—the dramatic society dead 235-250     CHAPTER XXIV.   ANOTHER STEP.   Making a new study—conversation with Charlie—Nat's new plans—study furniture—manual labor—Charlie's opinion—excessive reading bad—using what is learned—Coleridge's description of readers—difference between Nat and Charlie—Burke's Essay on the Sublime and Beautiful—a bit of humor—using the library of Harvard College—his walks thither—power of concentrating thoughts—Hugh Miller fighting imaginary battles with shells—Cary made a missionary by reading voyages of Captain Cook—Nat's