‘If you feel so,’ said Mr. Holdsworth, hoping to lead him from the unfortunate subject, ‘what must we do?’

’My position, if I live, seems to have as much power for evil, without the supernatural power for good.  Doing hastily, or leaving undone, are equally fatal!’

’Nay, what hope can there be but in fear, and sense of responsibility?’

’I think not.  I do more mischief than those who do not go out of their way to think of the matter at all!’

‘Do you!’ said the Vicar, smiling.  ’At least, I know, for my own part, I prefer all the trouble and perplexity you give me, to a squire who would let me and my parish jog on our own way.’

‘I dare say young Brewster never spoilt a Tom Madison.’

’The sight of self indulgence spoils more than injudicious care does.  Besides, I look on these experiments as giving experience.’

‘Nice experience of my best efforts!’

‘Pardon me, Fitzjocelyn, have we seen your best?’

‘I hope you will!’ said Louis, vigorously.  ’And to begin, will you tell this poor boy to come to me?’

Mr. Holdsworth had an unmitigated sense of his own indiscretion, and not such a high one of Fitzjocelyn’s discretion as to make him think the interview sufficiently desirable for the culprit, to justify the possible mischief to the adviser, whose wisdom and folly were equally perplexing, and who would surely be either disappointed or deceived.  Dissuasions and arguments, however, failed; and Mrs. Frost, who was appealed to as a last resource, no sooner found that her patient’s heart was set on the meeting, than she consented, and persuaded Mr. Holdsworth that no harm would ensue equal to the evil of her boy lying there distressing himself.

Accordingly, in due time, Mr. Holdsworth admitted the lad, and, on a sign from Louis, shut himself out, leaving the runaway standing within the door, a monument of surly embarrassment.  Raising himself, Louis said, affectionately, ’Never mind, Tom, don’t you see how fast I am getting over it?’

The lad looked up, but apparently saw little such assurance in the thin pale cheeks, and feeble, recumbent form; for his face twitched all over, resumed the same sullen stolidity, and was bent down again.

‘Come near, Tom,’ continued Louis, with unabated kindness—­’come and sit down here.  I am afraid you have suffered a great deal,’ as the boy shambled with an awkward footsore gait.  ’It was a great pity you ran away.’

‘I couldn’t stay!’ burst out Tom, half crying.

‘Why not?’

‘Not to have that there cast in my teeth!’ he exclaimed, with blunt incivility.

‘Did any one reproach you?’ said Louis, anxiously.  ’I thought no one knew it but ourselves.’

‘You knew it, then, my Lord?’ asked Tom, staring.

‘I found out directly that there was no cement,’ said Louis.  ’I had suspected it before, and intended to examine whenever I had time.’