“Do you know that you left your sum-book on the desk when you went away yesterday with Dr. Phillips?”
“Please, sir, I am very sorry, but I quite forgot all about it. I won’t do it again, sir.”
“Do you know what the imposition is for leaving books about?”
“Yes, sir, three sums.”
“Then you must do three sums. I never excuse a boy.”
Alfred stood still.
“Do you know any other reason why I called you here?”
“No, sir,” replied Alfred, not remembering having done any wrong.
“Just think a minute,” said the master, looking at him very closely. “Doesn’t your conscience tell you the reason?”
“Please, sir,” said Alfred, ready to cry, “I don’t know anything wrong that I’ve done. I don’t really, sir.”