Part 8 (1/2)
”That, boys, was the end of poor Ned. Those who die young escape much sorrow, says the proverb; and the old heathens used to say that those who died young the G.o.ds loved; but we hear a more sure voice saying, '_Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord._'”
CHAPTER VII.
THE FLOOD.
Every boy had gone home with the exception of Leslie, their farewell shouts still echoed in his ears as he looked gloomily from one of the deserted school-room windows out into the equally deserted playground; how silent and lonely everything seemed, and to make matters worse, the rain had re-commenced to fall. How sad Leslie felt; he pictured to himself the warm and loving reception each of his departed school-boy friends would receive on reaching home. Yes, he pictured it all to himself as he stood watching the falling rain, and the hot tears gushed from his eyes, and, laying his head upon the window sill, he burst into uncontrollable sobs.
How long he remained thus he knew not, but he was roused from his painful sense of desolation by a gentle hand being laid upon his bowed head, and a kind voice saying, ”My poor boy! I am very sorry you are left behind; there, there, do not cry, brighten up, and come into the parlour with Maud and me,” and Mrs Price wiped the tears from his face, and brus.h.i.+ng back his hair, imprinted a kiss upon his forehead.
This kindness only made Leslie feel more inclined to cry, but repressing his tears, and placing one hand in Mrs Price's, he said, as they walked to the parlour, ”You are very kind, ma'am, and your voice is as soft as my own mamma's; thank you very much.”
”There, that is a brave boy; you must not let Maud see you cry.”
”No, but I could not help it, I did so long to go home, and it is such a disappointment to be kept at school.”
”My dear child, the world and life are full of disappointments.”
”Are they, ma'am?”
”Yes, and we must all try to meet our share with a brave heart.”
”Are they all as bitter as mine?”
”Some are much worse, my boy.”
”I will try to be brave, ma'am; but I really did try to put the linchpin back.”
Maud was delighted to have a companion and playfellow who could be with her all day, and was soon engaged in planning various excursions to different, but favourite scenes in the neighbourhood.
”We will spend one long day,” she said, ”all by ourselves; we will get up very early in the morning, and cook shall fill a basket with nice things to eat; then we will row down the river until we reach the wood, in which we will roam about all day, having our dinner under the boughs of some large tree, and be for all the world like gipsies; will that not be capital?” and Maud clapped her hands with glee.
”Yes,” said Leslie, ”and I will take a long stick, which shall be my lance, and I will pretend to be a knight who has rescued a beautiful lady from a cruel band of robbers.”
”But who is to be the beautiful lady?” inquired Maud.
”Why, you, of course, for I think you very beautiful.”
”Suppose real robbers do come,” said Maud, opening her large eyes to the full extent at the bare supposition.
”Oh, I would protect you,” said Leslie, with fervour.
”Should you be really strong enough?”
”I think I should, if danger threatened you, Maud.”
”Is not Leslie brave, mamma?” said Maud, turning to Mrs Price.
”Yes, my dear,” was the answer.