human
Where did you get it?
gpt
I bought it at a news-stand, papa.
human
You must not buy anything more of that kind, Max; you must not read any such trash.
gpt
I will not again, papa; I should not this time if you had ever forbidden me before.
human
No, I don't believe you would be guilty of wilful disobedience to any positive command of your father, the captain said in a grave but kindly tone;
gpt
Yes, papa, I believe I was afraid you would take the book from me if you saw it. I deserve that you should be angry with me for that and for lending one to Lu.
human
I am displeased with you on both accounts, the captain replied,
gpt
Oh, thank you, papa, for trusting me!
human
Just the dearest, kindest father that ever was! he said to himself, as he bounded up the stairs.
gpt
I'll never do anything again to vex him, if I can help it.
human
How much of this trash have you read, Max?
gpt
The paper and most of one book, papa. I'll not read any more such, since you've forbidden me; but they're very interesting, papa.
human
I dare say, to a boy of your age. But you don't think I would want to deprive you of any innocent pleasure, Max?
gpt
No, sir; oh, no! But may I know why you won't let me read such stories?
human
Yes; it is because they give false views of life, and thus lead to wrong and foolish actions. Why, Max, some boys have been made burglars and highwaymen by such stories. I want you to be a reader, but of good and wholesome literature; books that will give you useful information and good moral teachings; above all things, my son, I would have you a student of the Bible, 'the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ.' Do you read it often, Max?
gpt
Not very, papa. But you know I hear you read it every morning and evening.
human
Yes; but I have sometimes been grieved to see that you paid very little attention.
gpt
Papa, I will try to do better,
human
I hope you will, said his father.
gpt
You will enjoy the same religious advantages at Ion, and, my boy, try to profit by them, remembering that we shall have to render an account at last of the use or abuse of all our privileges. I want you to promise me that you will read a few verses of the Bible every day, and commit at least one to memory.
human
I will, papa. And what else shall I read? You will let me have some story-books, won't you?
gpt
Yes, said his father,
human
I have no objection to stories of the right sort. There are some very beautiful stories in the Bible; there are entertaining stories in history; and there are fictitious stories that will do you good and not harm. I shall take care in future that you have plenty of wholesome mental food, so that you will have no excuse for craving such stuff as this, he added, with a glance of disgust at what he held in his hand.
gpt
It may go into the kitchen fire.
human
Mrs. Scrimp never burns the least little bit of paper, papa,
gpt
Indeed! Why not?
human
She says it is wicked waste, because it is better than rags for the paper-makers.
gpt
Ah! well, then, we will tear these into bits and let them go to the paper-makers.
human
Papa, he said, with a roguish look into his father's face,
gpt
No, my son, he said;
human
I have not the slightest inclination to read them. Bring me that waste basket and you may help me tear them up.