Poor boy, his head fell upon his breast and his lips trembled as he replied softly, "Yes, sir, but I had rather not tell who it was."
"I dare say he stole it himself," cried Alfred, spitefully.
"Leave the room, Alfred," said his father, sternly.
"O brother!" remonstrated Ella, "how wicked to talk so."
Harrison held up his head, and gave one lightning glance of indignation into the face of the ill-natured boy. There was truth, honesty, and wounded feeling in the expressive countenance; and both Mr. and Mrs. Haven grew every moment more interested in the young lad.
"You have a good mother, I know," added the gentleman, in whose mind arose a suspicion of the truth. "Ella has told us about her, and so Mrs. Haven has prepared a present for her."
The little girl brought carefully on her outstretched hand, from the next room, a neat bonnet, tastefully trimmed.
"Thank you, oh, thank you, ma'am!" exclaimed the boy, with a look of unmistakable gratitude. "How pleased mother will be. Shall I take it now, ma'am?"
"Yes! Are you going directly home? Bring me the box, Ella."