too small, he has no right to be particular."

"You are right, Oscar," said the major, who was glad to be saved the
expense of a new suit for Joe. Even he had been unpleasantly
conscious that Joe's appearance had become discreditable to him.
"You may bring it down, Oscar," he said.

"I dare say Joe won't like the idea of wearing it, but a boy in his
position has no right to be proud."

"Of course not," returned the major, his ruling passion gratified by
the prospect of saving the price of a suit. "When Joseph comes
home--at any rate, after he is through with his chores--you may tell
him to come in to me."

"All right, sir."

Before Oscar remembered this message, the scene narrated at the
commencement of the chapter occurred. On his way to complain to his
father, he recollected the message, and, retracing his steps, said to
Joe:

"My father wants to see you right off."

This was a summons which Joe felt it his duty to obey. He
accordingly bent his steps to the room where Major Norton usually sat.