Miss Fosbrook had one pleasure as she was going home. The children had all gone on some steps before her, chattering eagerly among themselves, when Sam turned back and said abruptly, “Miss Fosbrook, you didn’t mind that, I hope?”
“What those boys were saying? It depends on you whether you make me mind it.”
“I don’t mean to make any rows if I can help it,” said Sam.
“I am sure I hope you will be able to help it! I don’t know what I should do if you did!”
Sam gave an odd smile with his honest face. “Well, you’ve got a good spirit of your own. It would take something to cow you.”
“Pray don’t try!”
Sam laughed, and said, “I did promise Papa to be conformable.”
“And I was very much obliged to you yesterday evening. The behaviour of the other boys depends so much on you.”
“Yes, I know,” said Sam; “and I don’t mind it so much now I see you can stand up for yourself.”
“Besides, what would it be if I had to write to your father that I could not manage such a bear-garden?”