ly.
"He is very young yet."

"Patient? I'm afraid I have been too patient. That scoundrel at the
yard has unsettled him with his wild tales of the sea; and if I allowed
it, Don would make him quite a companion."

"But, Josiah--"

"There, don't look like that, my dear. I promised you I would play a
father's part to the boy, and I will; but you must not expect me to be a
weak indulgent father, and spoil him with foolish lenity. There, enough
for one day. I daresay we shall get all right in time."

"Oh, yes," cried Mrs Lavington, earnestly. "He's a true-hearted, brave
boy; don't try to crush him down."

"Crush him, nonsense!" cried the merchant, angrily. "You really are too
bad, Laura, and--"

He stopped, for just then Don re-entered the room to flush up angrily as
he saw his mother in tears; and he had heard enough of his uncle's
remark and its angry tone to make him writhe.

"Ill using her now," he said to himself, as he set his teeth and walked
to the window.

The closing of the door made him start round quickly, to find that his
mother was close behind him, and his uncle gone. "What has Uncle Jos
been saying to you, mother?" he cried angrily.

"Nothing--nothing particular, my boy," she faltered. "He has," cried
Don fiercely; "and I won't have it. He may scold and abuse me as much
as he likes, but I will not have him ill use you."

"Ill use me, Don?" cried Mrs Lavington. "Nonsense, my dear boy. Your
uncle is all that is kind and good; and he loves you very dearly, Don,
if you could only try--try a little more, my dear boy, to do what he
likes, and please him."

"I do try, mother, but it's no good."

"Don't say that, Don. Try a little harder--for my sake, dear, as well
as your own."

"I have tried, I am always trying, and it's of no use. Nothing pleases
uncle, and the men in the yard know it."

"Don, my boy, what foolish obstinate fit is this which has come over
you?" said Mrs Lavington tenderly.

"I'm not obstinate," he said sullenly; "only unhappy."

"Is it not your own fault, my darling?" she whispered; "believe me, your
uncle is one of the kindest and best of men."

Don shook his head.

"Are you going to prefer the opinion of the men of the yard to mine,
dear?"

"No, mother, but uncle is your brother, and you believe in him and
defend him. You know how harsh and unkind he is to me."

"Not unkind, Don, only firm and for your good. Now come, my boy, do,
for my sake, try to dr