"Yes, my dear; with all my heart. But you know there is another whom you have offended; One whose commands you have promised to obey."
"I know it, mother. I thought of it in school; and I couldn't study, so I lost my place in my class. I thought of it, and prayed in my seat that God would forgive me, and help me to be good. It was then, before I was hurt, that I resolved to tell you. I hid my shoes under the front steps, and I meant to put them on again before you saw me, my stockings are in my pocket."
"I knew it all before you came home, my dear. A beggar came here and when he went away he carried off your new shoes; but I scarcely thought of that; so pained was I that my son should disobey me and displease Cod."
"Oh mother! Mother! I never will do so again. I mean I'll try not to. You knew best when you said it was dangerous to go barefoot. My foot does ache, mother. Do you think it will have to be cut?"
"I hope not."
The night following, neither Dick nor his mother slept one moment. As soon as it was light Mr. Stuart started off on horseback for the Doctor, who lived a mile away.
When the physician came, he loosened the bandage, and found the whole ball of the foot inflamed. He said there were small pieces of glass in it, and that getting them out would be a bad business.
"Dick is a brave boy," said his mother. "I'm sure he'll try to be quiet."
"If you will hold my hand, mother, I'll try not to move."
"You may scream as loud as you please," said the Doctor laughing, "if you'll keep your foot still."