human
I didn't mean--I didn't mean--I truly didn't mean--to tell--mamma,
gpt
I know you didn't, dear, she soothed him.
human
It has really done no harm; papa didn't want the home people to know, as he wants to surprise them.
gpt
But it was a secret, said Dick, between his tears, feeling as if he had lost a precious treasure entrusted to him.
human
Oh, mamma! I really didn't mean to let it go.
gpt
Mamma feels quite sure of that, said Mrs. Whitney gently.
human
You are right, Dicky, in feeling sorry and ashamed, because anything given to you to keep is not your own but belongs to another; but, my boy, the next duty is to keep back those tears--all this is hurting your leg.
gpt
You would much better let me have my cry out, mamma; it's half-way, and it hurts to send it back.
human
Well, I don't think so, said Mrs. Whitney, with a laugh.
gpt
I've often wanted to have a cry out, as you call it. But that's weak, Dicky, and should be stopped, for the more one cries, the more one wants to.
human
You've often wanted to have a cry out? repeated Dick, in such amazement that every tear just getting ready to show itself immediately rushed back again.
gpt
Why, you haven't anything to cry for, mamma.
human
Indeed I have, she declared;
gpt
Oh! never, never, cried Dick, clutching her around the neck, to the detriment of her lace-trimmed wrapper.
human
My sweetest, dearingest mamma is ever and always just right.
gpt
Indeed, Dick, said Mrs. Whitney earnestly,
human
And then when papa goes, continued Mrs. Whitney,
gpt
And you stop crying for us, he cried;
human
I know now why you always put on your prettiest gown, and play games with us the evening after papa goes. I know now.
gpt
Here are three letters, cried the parson, hurrying in, and tossing them over to the boy.
human
And Polly Pepper has written to me, too.
gpt
Two for me; one from Ben, and one from Grandpapa!
human
And mine is from Phronsie,