George spoke in a voice of concentrated rage that frightened William, who could only stammer, "I thought—perhaps—I—I—"
The next word was lost, for George, hitting out from the shoulder, struck William full in the chest, who fell over as if he had been shot.
The blow brought back George's reason. He stood amazed and ashamed at his own violence and folly. William rose without a word, and looked him squarely in the eye; he was conscious that his words, though foolish, did not deserve a blow. He was no match physically for George, but he was not in the least afraid of him. Some one else, however, besides the two boys had witnessed the scene. Laurence Washington, quietly opening wide a door that had been ajar, walked into the hall, followed by his wife, and said, calmly:
"George, did I not see you strike a most unmanly blow just now—a blow upon a boy smaller than yourself, a guest in this house, and at a time when such things are particularly shocking?"
George, his face as pale as death, and unable to raise his eyes from the floor, replied, in a low voice, "Yes, brother, and I think I was crazy for a moment. I ask William's pardon, and yours, and my sister's—"
Laurence continued to look at him with stern and, as George felt, just displeasure; but Mrs. Washington came forward, and, laying her hand on his shoulder, said, sweetly:
"You were very wrong, George; but I heard it all, and I do not believe that anything could make you wish our child to die. Your giving up your horse to the doctor shows how much you love her, and I, for one, forgive you for what you have done."
"Thank you, sister," answered George; but he could not raise his eyes. He had never in all his life felt so ashamed of himself. In a minute or two he recovered himself, and held out his hand to William.
"I was wrong too, George," said William; "I ought not to have said what I did, and I am willing to be friends again."
The two boys shook hands, and without one word each knew that he had a friend forever in the other one. And presently Dr. Craik came down stairs, saying cheerfully to Mrs. Washington,