The Penitent Boy

THE PENITENT BOY
"Do lend me your new knife, which mamma gave you," asked Samuel; "I want to cut notches in my stick, and play Robinson Crusoe: do, will you, Alfred?"
"No, I cannot Sam; so do not ask any more. I wish you would not tease me for my knife; you cannot have it; I do not want it hurt."
"Well, but you lent it to cousin James, on Monday, and he did not spoil it, did he?"
"Now do be quiet, Samuel; I cannot lend it to you, so that is all I shall say."
"Why I never saw you so cross, Alfred."
"Yes, I am cross, I know. I feel very cross and uncomfortable, so do not ask any more about the knife."
Just then an aunt of the little boys entered the room, and Samuel turned to her in his trouble.
"Now do not you think, aunt, Alfred ought to lend me his knife, just for a minute, to cut a Robinson Crusoe stick?"
"No doubt he will," replied Miss Woodford; "I never knew Alfred cross or unkind: he does not mean that he will not lend it; he is only joking, I am sure."
"Yes, aunt, I do mean it; I have made up my mind that nobody shall use my knife."
"Well, then," urged the anxious Samuel, "do you cut my stick yourself; I only want seven notches in it, to make believe the days of the week: of course, you will not refuse this, will you?"
"Where is your knife, my boy?" asked his aunt; "is it in your pocket?"
"No, aunt."
"Well, get it then, my dear, and do this little kindness for your brother, who looks so imploringly there, with his stick in his hand."
Alfred left the room, looking very thoughtful; and Samuel took a seat on a stool, keeping his eye on the door, resolved to wait quietly for Alfred's return, as he was not an impatient boy. After a considerable time, Alfred came ba