"No," said Jasper, "absolutely nothing. When father once makes up his mind about anything, it's made up for all time. I must just lose the friendship of that man, as well as my place." With that his gloom deepened, and Polly, feeling powerless to utter a word, slipped her hand within his as it lay on his knee.
He looked up and smiled gratefully. "You see, Polly, we can't say anything to him."
"Oh! no, no," cried Polly in horror at the mere thought; "I've only made it a great deal worse."
"No, you haven't made it worse, dear; but we shouldn't do any good to talk to him about it."
"I don't believe I could live," cried Polly, off her guard, "to have him look at me, and to hear him speak so again, Jasper."
Jasper started, while a frown spread over his face. "I can bear anything but that you should be hurt, Polly," he exclaimed, his fingers tightening over hers.
"Oh! I don't mind it so much," cried Polly, recovering herself hastily, "if I hadn't made mischief for you."
"And that you never must think of again. Promise me, Polly."
"I'll try not to," said Polly.
"You must just put the notion out of your mind whenever it comes in," said Jasper decidedly; "you'll promise that, Polly, I know you will."