Mrs. L. Tell me—what is it?
Mr. S. (aside). Nurse, send away your son for a few moments; he must not know what I am about to say.
Mary. I understand, sir. Morris, go to the stable, and see if old Whitenose has eaten all he wants.
Morris (jumping up with animation). I am to put him to the wagon, am I not? and then we are to go home. Oh, I am so very glad.
[Exit.
Scene XII.
Mrs. L. We are alone now, Mr. Sherwood. Ah, if you knew how much I loved my son, and how unhappy I am!
Mary. I love him, too, in spite of his bad heart.
Mrs. L. Well, what are you going to propose? To have him beaten black and blue? I am ready for anything.
Mr. S. Don't be alarmed, madam. It is his heart that is to be put to the trial; reverses and adversity often soften the heart; when one has suffered, he knows better how to pity the deprivations and sufferings of others. Your son has never been contradicted; he may be unkind and cruel sometimes from thoughtlessness and ignorance. Now, let us put his heart to a severe trial. Let us pretend that he is Mary's son, and Morris is really your son. Push the experiment so far as to send him to live with her, until he is thoroughly humbled, and his faults disappear.