iefly told him
all about Ellis; how fast he was improving, and how happy he had become,
till Barber came to the school and spread reports against his fair fame.

The Doctor asked Ernest what the reports were. Ernest told him.

"Poor fellow! how very unfortunate," he remarked. "When he came here,
his father sent me a letter from his former master, saying that he had
been accused of stealing some money from another boy; but that, though
the evidence against him was very strong, and apparently conclusive, he
fully believed him guiltless of the offence. His father, who came to me
on purpose, assured me that his son was altogether incapable of
committing the crime of which he was accused; at the same time, that he
thought it right to mention the circumstance to me, to account for his
low-spirited and retiring manner. I appreciated the father's motive,
and accepted the charge of his son, not supposing that any boy from the
lad's former school would come here to accuse him. I have watched him
narrowly, and I feel sure, from what I have seen of him, that he is, at
all events, now a most unlikely person to commit the crime of which he
is accused."

"I am very glad indeed, sir, to hear you say this," replied Ernest. "I
would myself stake much on Ellis's honour; but how are the other boys to
be convinced of this, when one who professes to be a witness is among
them, and constantly repeats the tale?"

"I must think about it," observed the Doctor. "I may show my disbelief
of the truth of the accusations brought against him by honouring him on
every fitting opportunity; but unless he can disprove the tales uttered
against him, I fear the less generous boys will continue to believe him
guilty. However, I have said I will consider the subject. And now,
Bracebridge, believe me, I thank you for having introduced the matter to
my notice."

After this conversation, Ernest became much happier about Ellis. For
the Doctor, also, a much warmer regard and respect arose in his heart
than he had ever before felt. He had from the first looked upon him as
a kind, sensible, and just man; but he did not suppose that there was
any sympathy between him and his pupils. He knew that they came to
school to be taught, and that it was his duty to teach them; but he was
not aware of the deep interest which he took in their eternal as well as
in their temporal welfare; how he employed his best thoughts and
energies for that purpose; how much