human
Edward, Mrs. Holbrook has some little business to transact' with Kitty to-night; shall I walk with you? And, as Tip saw there was no help for it, and walked by his side, he said,
gpt
I didn't see you at school this afternoon: how was that?
human
Mr. Holbrook, didn't Ellis tell you about it this noon?
gpt
Ellis has told me nothing. I heard, from one of the smaller boys, a very sad story. Have you anything to tell me?
human
No, sir, I have not; it's all true. I got awful mad, and I said mad things. I--I did worse than that.
gpt
What, Edward! do you mean to give up, and go back to the old life?
human
No, sir; God wouldn't even let me do that.
gpt
Do you feel that you have God's forgiveness?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
Why were you so quiet to-night in prayer-meeting?
human
Because, said Tip, speaking low,
gpt
I was ashamed to say anything before you or Mr. Burrows or the boys, after what happened today.
human
More ashamed with us than you were with God?
gpt
Yes, sir, I was; because God knows all about it,--just how sorry I am, and how He has forgiven me, and is going to help me; and you didn't know that.
human
How about to-morrow, Edward?
gpt
If you knew what was right to do, would you _do_ it?
human
I'm pretty sure I'd _try_ to, sir.
gpt
Well, did you honour or dishonour Christ to-day?
human
I dishonoured Him.
gpt
Do the boys know that you are very sorry, and have asked God to forgive you?
human
No, sir; they don't know anything about it.
gpt
Don't you think, for the honour of Christ, they ought to?
human
I suppose so.
gpt
Who ought to tell them?
human
Mr. Holbrook, how could I tell them--to each one--about it?
gpt
See if you cannot answer your own question. Will not all the boys be likely to hear about it?
human
Yes, sir; they'll be sure to.
gpt
And would they all be likely to hear what you have to say, unless you spoke to all at once?
human
But, Mr. Holbrook, if I did that, it would have to be in school.
gpt
Well?
human
But to-morrow is the last day, and it's examination.
gpt
Well?
human
Mr. Holbrook, I wonder if you can think how very hard that would be?
gpt
Edward, I wonder if you can think how very hard it was for your Saviour to listen to your words this noon?
human
Good-night.
gpt
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honour him.