With these words, Tom threw himself upon his bed, tired, and, notwithstanding his words, not altogether pleased with himself. Willy knelt down, and after praying for pardon for the past, asked for strength to withstand temptation more firmly in future, and concluded with an earnest prayer for his suffering aunt, and the anxious ones watching beside her.
The next morning was Sunday, and the bright, glad sun seemed to welcome the day of rest. No one at the breakfast-table of Sir Hugh would have guessed that the day was holy to the Lord. Merry Jests and plans for diversion were varied but with details of business; the only books on the drawing-room table were the "Sporting Magazine" and Thackeray's last novel.
The boys, however, were at length desired by Sir Hugh to get ready for church. He was too much engaged himself, he said, but he liked his pew to be filled in the morning.
Tom and Willy had been accustomed to a quiet-walk to the house of God, a time for serious thought and preparation for the service; but serious thought was now out of the question. Ned was full of the description of a pony-race as he walked, swinging his cane with an independent air, and now and then whistling to his dog. Presently down a lane which ran into the road which they were pursuing, slowly rolled a little donkey-chaise.
"There's Percy Manners!" exclaimed Tom suddenly.
"Don't shout out his name in that way," said Ned impatiently, "to make people think that we have anything to say to a mean, despicable shrimp like that!"
Poor Percy had caught sight of his former companions. A flush of pleasure rose to his pale brow, as he gave an eager look of recognition; but that flush soon faded away, and his smile changed to an expression of deep mortification, as he saw those whom he had known as equals and friends pass on without noticing the poor lame youth!
"This is another bitter drop in my cup," thought he. "They are ashamed to acknowledge me now!" He gazed wistfully after the three; the next moment one of them separated from the others, and Willy ran back to the side of the chaise.
"Oh! I am so glad to meet you—to see the face of an old friend!" exclaimed Percy, wringing his hand.
"I cannot stop now," said Willy hurriedly, "but—"