76 LAST AND WORST.

time—to say nothing of the disobedience, and the
meanness of skulking away in such a manner to attend
a circus. Better give it up.”

“We have thought it all over, Maurice,” said Dick,
“and we are quite resolved to run all risks and go, and
nothing you can say will induce us to change our
minds. So, if we cannot induce you to join us, we
will drop the subject.” |

Maurice made no answer, but putting his arm within
Frank’s, he coaxingly led him away.

“ Now, Frank,” he said, as they walked along, “it is
but a short time since you determined to be more con-
scientious, and that you would not again violate Mr.
Harding’s rules. Why will you allow the first tempta-
tion to draw you away from your duty ?”

“Q Maurice!” said Frank, “I cannot withstand
such a temptation as this. It is too much for me. Of
all things in the world the circus is my delight. After
this I do intend to try to do right.”

“Until the next temptation comes, Frank,” said
Maurice. “Where is the virtue of doing right, when
there is no temptation to do wrong ?”

“That is true,” said Frank ; “but this once, Maurice,
Imust follow my inclination. I am quite as deter-
_ mined as the others. Happen what will, I attend the
circus this time.”

“T fear you will repent of it,” answered Maurice.
“It seems to me to be quite impossible for you to leave