THE FAITHFUL NURSE. | 37

“Indeed,” said Maurice, “I did not know it was
against the rules of the school, or I would on no
account have accepted them from my kind nurse,
though it would have disappointed her much had I
refused them.” a

“Well,” said Dick, “you have done it now, and so
nothing remains but to hide them. You must do it
quickly too, for there is the second bell.”

The boys hastily descended to the school-room, and
they had all taken their seats before Maurice entered ;
and to their surprise he held in his hand the basket,
and walked directly up to Mr. Harding’s desk, and
addressing him, said—

“T did not know, sir, it was against your rules for
us to receive presents of this kind, or I should not
have accepted this that my good nurse brought me to-
day ; though it would have grieved her much if I had
refused it, as she made the cake for me herself, and
brought the fruit all the way from our own garden,
thinking I would like it better if it came from home.
Be so kind, sir, as to pardon me for accepting it, and
not oblige me to return it to my nurse, as it would
disappoint her much. I am willing you should do
what you think best with it.”

Mr. Harding’s eyes beamed with pleasure, as he
looked upon the open, ingenuous countenance of
Maurice. | 7

“Maurice,” he said, “your honesty merits my