“Oh yes, sir.”
“Come along then, Grace, and well throw away the work for one day, and enjoy the country.”
I had never seen him look so bright and pleasant before. The stern, cold, distant air was gone, and his eyes were bright and eager. He seemed to unbend, and it was delightful to find him take so much interest in me as he did.
“Well,” he exclaimed, as we turned right into the wood by the first narrow foot-path, “and how are you getting on with the pie?”
“Very slowly, sir,” I said sadly.
“Never mind, my boy; patience, and you will do it all; and it will not hurt you.”
“But it was so unjust, sir. It was Smith who upset it.”
“Ah! and he said it was you?”
“Yes, sir; and it was a lie.”
“I thought as much; a young rascal! but never mind, Grace. I would rather be the lad who manfully bears an injustice like a hero, than be the big successful blackguard who escapes his punishment by a contemptible lie.”