338 
JACK SHORT. 
little log house. But then all the other 
children were there, and he did not like to 
face them very well,—especially the girls, of 
whom, like most boys of his age and cir¬ 
cumstances, he was very much afraid. 
However, he put a hold face upon it, and, 
walking resolutely up to where Richard was 
at work, said, though in rather an unsteady 
voice, “Dick, I should like to speak to 
you, if you please.” 
Richard turned, not a little astonished, 
and the other children exchanged glances 
of amazement, for Jack had never been in 
the habit of coming to The Meadows at any 
time,—which made his appearance now the 
more remarkable. 
“ Master Richard is engaged,” said Annie, 
with her haughtiest emphasis, before her 
brother had time to speak for himself. 
“Annie, for shame!” said Richard, in a 
low tone, and then, turning to Jack, asked, 
good-humouredly, “Is it any thing private, 
Jack?” 
“Yes,—no I may as well say it before 
folks. I’m very sorry, Dick. I have come 
to ask you to forgive me, and I hope you 
will; though-” He stopped : his colour 
