What a lucky little chap you are!" Vernon was delighted.
"Mind you take care of them," said Russell.

"Where did you find them ?" "I have been down the shore getting them." "And have you had a pleasant morning ?" "Yes, Russell, thank you.

Only it is rather dull being always by myself, and Eric never comes with me now." "Naughty Eric," said Russell, playfully.

"Never mind, Verny; you and I will cut him, and go by ourselves." Eric had stood by during the conversation, and the contrast of Russel's unselfish kindness with his own harsh want of sympathy, struck him.

He threw his arms round his brother's neck, and said, "We will both go with you, Verny, next half holiday." "O, thank you, Eric," said his brother; and the two schoolboys ran out.
But when the next half holiday came, warm and bright, with the promise of a good match that afternoon, Eric repented his promise, and left Russell to amuse his little brother, while he went off, as usual, to the playground.
There was one silent witness of scenes like these, who laid them up deeply in her heart.