When Marcus came home from school on Monday afternoon, Hatty was in the
garden, picking a bouquet to put in Aunt Barbara's room. He stepped
quietly behind her and put his hands round her waist, before she heard
him coming.
She looked round, expecting to see his face full of fun; but it was very
sober,--and he said, quietly,
"I have lost the prize, Hatty!"
"Did you miss a lesson to-day!" said Hatty, eagerly.
"I have not made a mistake this term, and I don't mean to, if I can help
it," said Marcus, rather proudly.
"Not a mark for misconduct?" said Hatty, anxiously.
"A mark for tardiness stands against my name. I have told Mr. Briggs."
Hatty turned towards her brother, and kissed him tenderly. He did not
push her away, but, putting his arm round her waist, he walked a few
moments along the path in silence; then he said, "I have had a talk with
Mr. Briggs, that I hope I shall never forget. I thank you, Hatty, for
being a true sister to me."
Here Marcus broke away from Hatty, and ran into the house before she
could speak a word in reply.
Hatty finished gathering the flowers, but her thoughts were not on her
bouquet, but on her brother. In her heart she thanked God for prompting
him to take this first right step, and earnestly she prayed that he
might go steadily forward in the path that leadeth unto life.