168 
JACK AGAIN. 
bed and use his hands; and as they entered 
he was busily employed in whittling. His 
pale, thin face flushed with pleasure at the 
sight of his visitors. 
“I didn’t know as you were coming 
again,” he said, as he resumed his occupa¬ 
tion. 
“We should have come yesterday,” said 
Richard, “ but we were out in the woods all 
the afternoon. But what made you think 
we would not come again ?” 
“Oh, I don’t know. I always thought 
you felt above me because I was only the 
son of your grandfather’s tenant.” 
“That’s nonsense, Jack,” said Sidney, 
shortly. “We never felt above you for any 
such reason ; and, to speak plainly-” 
“Go ahead,” said Jack, as Sidney paused. 
“ The reason we did not associate with 
you more was because we did not like your 
ways nor the company you kept. That is 
plain talking, I know; but it is the truth, 
and I always think truth is the best.” 
“So do I,” said Jack, blushing a little; 
“and I don’t blame you a bit. But that 
did not hinder you coming to see me when 
I was sick.” 
