his sisters
should wait upon him, and to be very slow in moving from his book, even
at his mother's desire, now went up-stairs and down-stairs for
everybody, and tried to be more independent in his habits than any one
else, they began to think that Holt knew Hugh's mind better than even
they, and to respect and love him accordingly.

There was another proof of friendship given by Holt, more difficult by
far; and in giving it, he showed that he really had learned courage and
spirit from Hugh, or in some other way. He saw that his friend was now
and then apt to do what most people who have an infirmity are prone
to,--to make use of his privation to obtain indulgences for himself, or
as an excuse for wrong feelings; and when Holt could not help seeing
this, he resolutely told his friend of it. No one else but Mrs Proctor
would see or speak the truth on such occasions; and when his mother was
not by, Hugh would often have done selfish things unchecked, if it had
not been for Holt. His father pitied him so deeply, that he joked even
about Hugh's faults, rather than give him present pain. Phil thought he
had enough to bear at Crofton, end that everybody should let him alone
in the holidays. His sisters humoured him in everything: so that if it
had not been for Holt, Hugh might have had more trouble with his faults
than ever, on going back to Crofton.

"Do you really and truly wish not to fail, as you say, Hugh?" asked
Holt.

"To be sure."

"Well, then, do try not to be cross."

"I am not cross."

"I know you think it is low spirits. I am not quite sure of that: but
if it is, would not it be braver not to be low in spirits?"

Hugh muttered that that was fine talking for people that did not know.

"That is true, I dare say; and I do not believe I should be half as
brave as you, but I _should_ like to see you quite brave."

"It is a pretty thing for you to lecture me, when I got down those books
on purpose for you,--those Voyages and Travels. And how can I look at
those same books, now and not--"

Hugh could not go on, and he turned away his head.

"Was it for me?" exclaimed Holt, in great concern. "Then I am very
sorry. I will carry them to Mrs Proctor, and ask her to put them quite
away till we are gone back to Crofton."

"No, no. Don't do that. I want them," said Hugh, finding now that he
had not fetched them down entirely on Holt's account. But Holt took him
at his word, and carried the books away