LITTLE GRANDFATHER SPEAKS.—Page [138].
Master Purple was so utterly surprised and confounded that he stood stock still, with his ferule high in the air.
In another minute William was at his side.
"Do you mean to let go that little girl's hand, sir?"
Master Purple stood and glared.
"She's taken her last ruling, sir. I won't look on and see such small children abused, sir. If the committee can't make a fuss about it, I will."
You might have heard a pin drop. The whole school held its breath in surprise. Master Purple, not knowing what he did, dropped Patty's hand, and the sobbing child tried to go to her seat; but, blinded with tears, and pain and fright, she mistook the way, and staggered along to the fireplace.
"Poor little thing, don't cry!" said William, lowering his voice to the gentlest tone; and taking her in his arms he carried her up to the back seat, and set her in Dorcas's lap.
It was an action which Patty never forgot. From that moment she loved dear William Parlin with all her little heart.