WHO BROKE THE WINDOW?

THERE was a loud ring at the door-bell: someone was in
a great hurry. Mary, the housemaid, ran to the door. A
gentleman without hat stood on the doorstep. ‘Can I see.
the lady of the house?” he asked angrily. ‘‘ Yes, sir; what
name shall I say?” said Mary. “Say the gentleman next
door,” said the gentleman frowning, and into the room
in which the lady of the house was sitting the gentleman
was shown. ‘ Madam,” he said, “your sons have broken
my window.” The lady rang the bell, and told Mary to
fetch the boys. “Of course, they will deny it, but I can
prove it,” said the angry gentleman. The door opened, and
two small boys came into the room. “Boys,” said the
lady, “‘ this gentleman. says that a window has been broken.
Do you know anything about-it?” The gentleman began
to speak quickly. “Of course they know all about it—it’s
no use to deny it. I can——” The boys stared. ‘“ We
don’t want to deny it,” said the bigger, boy ;. “we're very
sorry. It was an accident, Mother.” The gentleman looked
very much astonished. “Dear me!” he said, ‘then I need

not prove it. Good morning,” and he walked out of the room.