"Nothing at all. He sprung at me like a tiger, and all for nothing. He took me by surprise, so at first he got the advantage; but I soon gave him as good as he sent."
"I am really sorry to hear this," said Mrs. Drummond, distressed. "Are you sure you didn't say something to provoke him?"
"I only said, when he was invited to go to the picnic Saturday afternoon, that he wouldn't be able to leave the store."
"I am afraid you said it in such a way as to offend him."
"Seems to me you think a good sight more of him than of me in the matter," grumbled Joshua. "That's just the way with father. He wanted us both to beg each other's pardon. Catch me begging pardon of a beggarly hired boy!"
"He isn't any worse because your father hires him, Joshua."
"Oh, yes, of course you stand up for him," said Joshua, sneering.
"Now, Joshua, you know I always take your part when you are right."
So Joshua continued to scold, and Mrs. Drummond to soothe him, until she found a more effectual way, by placing at his disposal half an apple-pie which was in the cupboard. In the evening she told Walter that she was sorry there had been any difficulty between him and Joshua.