As has been mentioned before, Mr. and Mrs. Blackford did not intend to be unkind. They had lived hard and strict lives when they were young, and they did not see why others should not tread the same path. In consequence they curtailed Joe’s pleasures, they frowned at every mention of his parents, and they were, at times, actually harsh and cruel to him. They excused themselves on the plea that it was “for his good.” But, undoubtedly, they were very short-sighted.
Joe would have been much better off had he had kinder treatment and greater liberty. In fact, at times, he was treated as a child, though he was, at the opening of this story, nearly eighteen years old.
“Yes, I reckon I’m in for a wigging,” mused Joe, as he approached the house. “Might as well get it over with.”
He vaulted over the gate, landing easily, though it was not a low barrier by any means.
“Oh, Joe! Don’t do that!” cried Mrs. Blackford. She had seen him from the window. “You might spoil your shoes!”
“Oh, I guess not,” he answered easily.
“And what has happened to you?” she went on. “That isn’t your suit! Where have you been? Did you hear about the fire?”
“Yes. I was there. It was quite a blaze.”
“And what about your suit?” went on the elderly woman. “This isn’t yours.”
“I know it.”