John’s Troubles. $7

 

again, or go on with his lesson.’ So I had
to go and see what I could do, Mrs. Baynes.
I desired John myself to pick up the book
and go on with his lesson; but finding him
stubborn, I would not contend with him, but
put him at the bottom of the class, in dis-
grace. After school I spoke to him privately,
and tried to persuade him to beg his teacher’s
pardon; but he was as obstinate as possible.
You must mind you do not spoil him, Mrs.
Baynes; he has no father to correct him. If
I were you I would send him off to bed at
once, to show him you are displeased.”

“But perhaps, sir, Ned teased him. His
brother has been much neglected, and the
other boys mocked at him this morning, and
Johnnie could not bear that.”

“My dear Mrs. Baynes, could a silly speech
from a school-fellow justify all that display of
temper and disobedience to his teacher and
myself? Forgive me if I say, do not let your
kind heart blind your good sense, for I know
you have the best of good sense of your own.
Do not let it be misled into spoiling the boy.
He is a very nice boy, but all children may be
spoiled.”

“T will do my best, sir, indeed,” she an-
swered so humbly and earnestly that Mr.