"Where's Henry, Aunt Mary Anne? I want to see him," eagerly exclaimed Ernest.
"He's at work clearing the shop floor of shavings. His father has set him to do it."
"When he's done, please ask him to come here."
"Yes, I will."
"There is nothing that hardens the heart so much as lying," said Mrs. Monroe, "one lie leads on to another, until there is no knowing where it will end. I remember my mother used to say, 'There is no safety except in perfect truthfulness.'"
"Don't you believe I have told the truth, mother?" said Ernest, looking up at her inquiringly, as he spoke.
"Yes, Ernest, I do; and so does your aunt."
"I have never caught Ernest in a lie," said Mrs. Drake, sighing again. "If I had, I never should trust you again."
"It's hard sometimes to tell the truth right off," began the boy; "but it is a great deal harder to wait."