s a grey-haired, gentle-faced man, with a
slow dreamy manner in speaking.

'Mrs. John, what has happened to make your little boy so forget himself
this morning?'

'Indeed, sir, I cannot say. I really thought he was going to be
good to-day.'

'I think he had better come to tea with me this afternoon, and we will
have a little talk together.'

Teddy looked up with awe in his blue eyes. He well knew that this was the
rector's usual practice when any delinquent was brought before his
notice, but it had never yet fallen to his lot to receive the invitation.
Mr. Upton had his own way of doing things, so people said, and he had
greater faith in reasoning with any culprits than scolding them, whether
they were grown men, or women, or children.

Teddy's restless ways in church had been a trial to him for a long time,
and he felt that this morning's action must receive a check. 'Thank
you, sir,' responded Mrs. John; 'he shall come to you after school is
over this afternoon.'

And Teddy, completely sobered, walked home beside his mother without
uttering a word.

At half-past four he stood on the rectory doorsteps looking into the cool
broad hall in front of him, which led out of a glass door at the opposite
end into a brilliant flower garden. Spotless white druggeting covered the
floor and stairs, and everything indoors denoted a careful housekeeper.
Mr. Upton was a widower, and was to a great extent ruled by two or three
old and faithful servants.

As the boy stood there the rector appeared, and led him into his study.

'We shall have half an hour before tea, to have a little conversation, my
boy. Sit down, and tell me what you have been learning at Sunday-school
this afternoon.'

'Teacher was telling us about the children of Israel in Egypt. I'm afraid
I don't remember very much what he said, for I was busy thinking about
coming to see you.'

Mr. Upton smiled, and drew the child on to talk; then, after he was
thoroughly at ease, he put a large Bible in front of him.

'I want you to read me a verse in the First Epistle of St. John, and the
third chapter. It is the fifteenth verse; can you find it?'

'Yes, sir,' and with an eager importance Teddy turned over the leaves.

'Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer,' he read solemnly.

'That will do. Now think it over for five minutes in silence, and then
tell me what your thoughts are about it.'

The boy hung his head in shame; he folded his arms and sat immova