A SHABBY TRICK. 115

 evident discomfiture. "I'm sure he did not intend
 to do wrong."
 "I think you had better none of you notice the
 matter," said Mr. Gilbert, when there had been
 silence for some time; "we must remember that
 Adolphus is our guest to-day. I had rather you
 would say nothing to him in reproach," he con-
 tinued, turning round to Jack behind him, "just
 let him have Baffle for to-day, and you shall have
 a ride some day soon, my boy, instead."
 Mr. Gilbert spoke in a kind manner to Jack,
 much more softly and gently than he had done for
 some time past, and Jack's heart began to beat with
 pleasure at the thought of having an opportunity of
 gratifying his father. In fact, he began to feel quite
 glad now that Adolphus had cheated him out of the
 ride.
 "I will do as you wish, father," he answered with
 warmth. "Adolphus shall have the pony, and wel-
 come, to-day, and I won't say anything unpleasant
 to him about it."
 "That will be much the best, Jack dear,"
 said Mrs. Leslie, who was always in favour of
 peace and kindness; and Jack was further consoled
 by a look of gratitude at his forbearance from
Florinda.
 "Papa would be so angry with him if he knew he