The master placed one hand on his head and said to him:—
“Don't do so again.” Nothing more.
Then he returned to his table and finished the dictation. When he was done, he looked at us a moment in silence; then he said, very, very slowly, with his big but kind voice:—
“Listen. We have a year to pass together; let us see that we pass it well. Study and be good. I have no family; you are my family. Last year I had a mother; she is dead. I am left alone. I have no one but you in all the world; I have no other affection, no other thought than you: you must be my sons. I wish you well, and you must like me too. I do not wish to be obliged to punish any one. Show me that you are boys of heart: our school shall be a family, and you shall be my comfort and my pride. I do not ask you to give me a promise; I am sure that in your hearts you have already answered ‘yes’ and I thank you.”
Just then the beadle came in to announce the close of school. We all left our seats as quietly as could be. The boy who had stood upon the bench went up to the master, and said to him, in a trembling voice:
“Forgive me, Signor Master.”
The master kissed him on the brow, and said, “Go, my son.”
AN ACCIDENT
The year has begun with an accident. On my way to school this morning I was repeating to my father