“Because I can see what kind of a boy he is.”
“Well, what kind of a boy is he?” asked Abner, with a sneer.
“He is high-spirited, and will work faithfully if he's treated well, but he won't allow himself to be imposed upon.”
“How do you know that?”
“I can read it in his face. I have had some experience with boys, and you may depend upon it that I am not mistaken.”
“He had better do his duty,” blustered Abner, “if he knows what's best for himself.”
“He will do his duty,” said the housekeeper, firmly, “but there is a duty which you owe to him, as well as he to you.”
“Don't I always do my duty by boys, Mrs. Bickford?”
“No, Mr. Holden, I don't think you do. You know very well you can never get a boy to stay with you.”
“This boy is bound to me, Mrs. Bickford—legally bound.”