“That is his own fault. He has had enough to eat and enough to wear. He has had as comfortable a home as yourself.”
“I don’t doubt that, but he complains that his stepmother is continually finding fault with him, and scolding him.”
“He provokes her to do it. He is a headstrong, obstinate boy.”
“He never had that reputation at school, sir. We all liked him.”
“I suppose you mean to imply that I am in fault?” said the doctor, warmly.
“I don’t think you know how badly Mrs. Crawford treats Carl, sir.”
“Of course, of course. That is always said of a stepmother.”
“Not always, sir. I have a stepmother myself, and no own mother could treat me better.”
“You are probably a better boy.”
“I can’t accept the compliment. I hope you’ll excuse me saying it, Dr. Crawford, but if my stepmother treated me as Carl says Mrs. Crawford treats him I wouldn’t stay in the house another day.”