“What do boys know? you had better say!” said Hatty, hastily taking part with her mother.
“Any sensible boy of twelve knows more about such things than a woman!” said Marcus, turning to leave the room.
“Stop, Marcus,” said Mrs. Lee, gently.
Marcus stopped, but did not approach his mother. She stepped to his side and said: “Marcus, there was once a boy of twelve who had more wisdom than the learned doctors in the Jewish Temple. He, of course, knew more than his mother. Yet he went down with her to Nazareth, and was subject unto her. Even he was not above honoring his father and mother. Will you not try to imitate him?”
Marcus was softened by his mother’s gentle manner, and he answered: “If I don’t behave as I ought to you, Mother, it is a great shame;” and then he was again turning away.
Again he was detained. Hatty laid her hand on his arm and said: “Marcus, I did not speak rightly to you just now. I was angry. I am sorry.” Hatty blushed painfully when she spoke, and it was evident the acknowledgment cost her a great effort.
“I did not notice it,” said Marcus, hurrying away.
Hatty felt a little hurt at the way her apology was received, but her mother took her by the hand, and said: “That is right, Hatty. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another. You must not forget Marcus in your prayers.”
Hatty was silent a moment, and then her mother said: “Come now, my dear, the baby is awake, and you will have an opportunity to see his queer little blue eyes, and to hold him in your lap.”
Hatty was delighted when she reached the nursery, to be allowed to take the tiny being in her arms, and to hold his pretty soft hand in hers.