For several hours Herbert suffered evil thoughts and feelings against his brother to remain in his mind, and he complained to his mother and several others of the injury which had been done to his favorite kite; and when his father came in to tea, he repeated the story to him, with many severe comments on the unkindness of his brother.
He felt somewhat rebuked when his father said quietly, “Wait till you hear your brother’s explanation, my son. Remember there are always two sides to a story.”
“There cannot be two sides to this one, father, for Alice saw Henry with the kite in his hand, and no one else has touched it.”
“Strong proof, certainly, Herbert; but, nevertheless, suspend your judgment until Henry comes. It is possible that he did not tear the kite.”
Herbert was silenced, but not convinced. His feelings were not changed, and he met Henry in a sullen and irritated manner.
“Oh, Herbert!” exclaimed the little boy, “I wish you could have been with me. I have had such a delightful play with my cousins. I should have been quite happy all the afternoon, only I could not help thinking of your poor kite. Did you see it in the barn?”
“To be sure I did,” replied Herbert, crossly; “I wish you had taken a fancy to destroy some other of my playthings and let my kite alone.”
“Why, Herbert, I did not destroy it. I found our dog Pompey playing with it in the yard. I do not know where he got it, but I took it away as quickly as I could. I was very sorry that I did not see him before it was spoiled.”
A deep blush of shame overspread Herbert’s face as he thought of the wicked and unkind feelings which he had harbored for so many hours. He now remembered perfectly, that, being called away in haste, he had left his kite beneath a tree in the yard, and no doubt Pompey had found it there. There was, indeed, two sides to this story, and now that the truth was known, it was quite plain that he alone was to blame for the accident.
His sorrow was increased when Henry eagerly inquired if he had finished the little wagon which he had begun for him in the morning.