There is nothing boys more strongly resent than injustice and undeserved reproof, and no teacher who expects to retain his influence will permit himself to indulge in either.
It is hardly necessary to say that Squire Ross had communicated to Herbert the business which Mr. Starr had intrusted to him, and that Herbert was very much pleased to hear it.
“That’s good!” he said, emphatically. “Won’t you let me go with you when you call on the Gordons?”
“No, Herbert. I can’t do that.”
“What harm will it do?” pleaded Herbert, disappointed.
“It wouldn’t look well, and the neighbors would be sure to criticise.”
“It won’t make any difference if they do. You are a rich man, and can laugh at them.”
“Still, I don’t want to become unpopular. I think of running for office by and by. I stand a good chance of being nominated for State senator next fall, and it won’t do to give people a chance to talk against me.”
“Why don’t you run for member of Congress, pa?”
“So I may, in good time. The State senatorship would be a good stepping-stone to it.”