The World's Greatest Books — Volume 04 — Fiction by Various
page 111 of 384 (28%)
page 111 of 384 (28%)
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"He couldn't choose his father, you know," she said to Tom. "And I've
read of very bad men who had good sons, as well as good parents who had bad children." "Oh, he's a queer fellow," said Tom curtly, "and he's as sulky as can be with me because I told him his father was a rogue. And I'd a right to tell him so, for it was true--and he began it with calling me names." An accident to Tom's foot brought the two boys nearer again, and also threw Philip and Maggie together. "Maggie," said Philip one day, "if you had had a brother like me, do you think you should have loved him as well as Tom?" "Oh, yes, better," she answered immediately. "No, not better; because I don't think I could love you better than Tom. But I should be so sorry--so sorry for you." Philip coloured. He had meant to imply, would she love him as well in spite of his deformity, and yet when she alluded to it so plainly he winced under her pity. Maggie, young as she was, felt her mistake. "But you are so very clever, Philip, and you can play and sing," she added quickly. "I wish you were my brother. I'm very fond of you." "But you'll go away soon, and go to school, Maggie, and then you'll forget all about me, and not care for me any more." "Oh, no, I shan't forget you, I'm sure." And Maggie put her arm round his neck, and kissed him quite earnestly. |
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