56 A NOBLE CONFESSION.

approached Mr. Harding, and asked permission to
speak a few words to him before the evening’s exer-
cises commenced, adding, “I have done something
unintentionally, but carelessly, sir, which will displease
you, and I cannot retire for the night happily until I
have confessed it to you.”

He then related the occurrences of the afternoon, and
blamed himself very much for becoming so absorbed
in his game as to approach so close to the forbidden
side of the play-ground near the conservatory, and con-
cluded by saying, “Iam exceedingly sorry, sir. I sub-
mit myself cheerfully to the punishment I deserve ;
only let me know that you will not think I would wil-
fully do anything to injure you, or deliberately disobey
your commands,” |

There was a profound silence in the room while Maurice
spoke, and his words were heard distinctly by all.

The silence continued a moment after he had ceased
to speak, when, to the surprise of all, Frank Henley
left his seat, and, approaching his teacher, said—_

“J, too, have done wrong to-day, sir, and have dis-
obeyed you; and though in times past I have always
endeavoured to conceal from you the accidents and dis-
obediences of which I have been guilty, I so admire the
bold and honest conduct of Maurice, that I am induced
to follow his example. Unknown to Maurice, and
wishing to save him from exposure, I entered the con-
servatory, contrary to your orders, and took away his