s; but Mr. Evans was not
come home, he was absent more than ten days, and Miss Grizzy would not
let nurse see him. In grief and anger the old woman went home, and took
to her bed almost as ill as poor Bernard.

"Miss Grizzy was the person who watched by Bernard's bed, and saw that
everything the doctor ordered was done; but Bernard fancied she was not
the same Miss Grizzy that used to smile upon him and flatter him in
past times, she looked so grave, and said so often, 'That _must_ be
done, Master Low.'

"Bernard, however, did not think much about her; his whole mind was
filled, till his head got well, with thoughts of his parents and
sister, and even of his little brothers, whom he had never seen. And in
this time of suffering and weakness he began to be sincerely sorry for
his past naughtiness.

"Mr. Evans came back without any hope respecting Mr. Low. He was very
much grieved, especially for Bernard, and showed his kindness by
visiting him often in his room; and when the boy was better, another
friend showed himself; this was Griffith, who had made up his mind
never again to quiz Bernard so long as he lived. He came often to him,
and even read to him in the Bible Lucilla had given. Jacob too showed
his deep affection for his little master. But Jacob himself was soon
afterwards taken ill, and Miss Grizzy contrived that he should be sent
away till he got better. So Bernard was made to feel that those were
not his real friends who flattered him when all seemed to be well with
him.

"Time passed on, Bernard's health was restored, and he was able to come
down as usual. He went down to dinner the first day on a Sunday. He had
been well enough to go down the Monday before, but Miss Grizzy had
fixed on Sunday for the day; perhaps because her brother, who had two
churches to serve, would not be at dinner. When Bernard came into the
room, he looked at the place where he used to sit, but Master Larkin,
the new pupil, was in it. There was a place kept for him by Stephen at
the bottom of the table.

"'You are older than Larkin, Low,' said Stephen, 'and must give up the
place of pet to him.' Bernard sat down. He did not just then understand
the reason of being put out of his place--he had this to learn amongst
other things. He was not asked what he would like, but helped in his
turn; and when dinner was over, he was not asked if he would like to
stay in the parlour, but told, if he felt tired, to go and lie on his
own bed.