"Eddy, stop this minute, and come with me," said Mrs. Lander, in a firm, decided tone. She took him by the hand, and though he dared not disobey; yet he showed by his struggles that he went reluctantly. He was a boy of quick passions, but the fit of temper soon passed away; and by the time they reached the house, he looked and felt really ashamed of his conduct.
Mrs. Lander led him away to a room by himself, and then left, after telling him she wanted him to reflect upon his cruelty and bad temper; poor little Susy following her to her chamber, where she seated herself on a low stool, looking very sober indeed.
Mrs. Lander had been cutting work, and now returned to it with a sad countenance. For some time not a word was spoken, but at last, the lady noticed that Susy looked pale, and said, "You had better run out and play, my dear; or get your dollies? and dress them for a walk."
"Please, aunt," said the soft voice, "I don't feel like playing now;" and then, in a minute, she lifted her eyes wistfully to her aunt's face as she asked, "Wont God forgive Eddy this time? I don't want him to be naughty any longer."
Her red lips quivered, and she choked back a sob as she gazed earnestly at her aunt, waiting for a reply, but the lady did not speak for a moment. She drew Susy to her side and kissed her tenderly, and then taking her by the hand led her away to Eddy's room.
The little fellow was very quiet now. He ran eagerly to his cousin and drew her into the room, and then, in a humble tone, said, "I'm very sorry, mamma, I vexed you. I've got over my passion now."
She put her hand on his head, but she did not smile; indeed her face looked very, very sad.
"Please forgive me?" urged the boy.
"Yes, I will gladly forgive you, Eddy; but your conduct makes me very unhappy. What comfort can I expect from a child, who, on every trifling occasion, gives way to his passionate temper? And then think how displeasing your behavior, this morning, has been to your heavenly Father. Have you asked him to forgive you?"
Eddy blushed as he hung his head.