802 
THE PASSIONATE PUPIL. 
ard, rather slyly. “But I would not swear: 
it will not mend the matter; and, besides, you 
promised you would not do so any more.” 
“It’s none of your business whether 1 
swear or not,” retorted Jack, his humour 
not being improved by being put in mind 
of his promise. “ You are not my master, 
Dick Winston.” 
“ I don’t want to be your master, I am 
sure,” replied Richard, gently, though he 
felt very much vexed. “ You asked me to 
teach you, and I am very glad to do it, but 
not if you use such words. And I tell you 
plainly you shall not swear.” 
“ Shall not! I should like to see you help 
yourself, and be-to you.” 
“I cannot help what you do; but I can 
help what I do,” said Richard, quietly; and, 
getting up from the door-step where they 
had been sitting, he walked towards the gate, 
when, turning round, he added, “ Any time 
you are ready to begin again, I am ready; 
but it must be upon my own terms.” 
Quite beside himself with passion, Jack 
hurled after Richard the slate he held in his 
hand. Richard dodged; and the slate, nar¬ 
rowly missing his head, struck the gate-post 
