Lom learns a new Lesson. 143

 

be troubling her, or anybody. I'll get better
directly.”

Tom was very sorry for her. He had been
unhappy himself, and he knew how dreadful
it felt. Whenever he was in disgrace he was
horribly unhappy, and when his cockatoo
drooped and died in the winter, and when he
gave up the thing he liked best, and a few
other times which he remembered quite well.

“T'll get better directly,” repeated Matty ;
“it's only at first, before I’m used to it.”

“And,” said Tom, quickly, “you mustn’t
forget your call. You mayn’t have to wait
so very long, and you must keep listening.
Old Benjamin was always listening.”

Matty smiled for the first time.

“Oh, do smile!” cried Tom, delighted,
throwing his arms round her. “I came to
comfort you! I want to make you happy !”

“Thank you, Master Tom,” said she:
“thank you.”

“But [ didn’t know how hard it was!” said
Tom, surprised. “I thought it would be
quite quick and easy. You must let me go

K