“Gently, gently, Davie; nobody makes you spend your money; and perhaps the poor man has children of his own who want food as much as Hannah’s do.”
“Then can’t they eat the Gibraltar rock and bulls’ eyes?”
Sam suggested that this diet would make them sick; to which poor little earnest David answered, that when once the pig was bought, he would give all his money for a whole month to the Gibraltar man, if he would not come for the next four weeks.
And Christabel thought of what she had once read, that people would often gladly put away from their children friends the very trials that are sent by Heaven to prove and strengthen their will and power of resisting self-indulgence. Before she had quite thought it out, the quick steps were back again, and Sam greeted the entrance of John thus: “Well, if that isn’t a shame! Have you been and done Sukey out of all that, Jack?”
“It was only three bulls’ eyes,” said Susan, following. “You know he had nothing of his own, and it was so hard, and Annie gave him some.”
“And Nurse some,” added Hal. “Trust Jackie for taking care of himself.” Well he might say so, considering how full were John’s mouth, hands, and pockets.
“And Davie has had nothing!” said kind Susan. “Here, Davie!” holding out to him an amber-like piece of barley-sugar.
“I don’t want your stuff,” said David roughly. “You’ve spent all away from the pig.”
“No, Davie, indeed, only twopence,” said Susan; “pray have a bit.”
“You might at least say thank you,” said Miss Fosbrook.