"Dodd" had been going to school to him now a year and a half, and he
had begun to think that he had a permanent hold upon the boy. But here
it was again, back in the same old notch, and as bad as ever. It does
take so long to make anything permanent in the way of character! You
have found it so yourself, haven't you, beloved? In your own case, I
mean.

But on his way home to dinner Mr. Bright saw Mrs. Weaver out in the
yard, and remembering how much a mother may sometimes do for her son,
he went over and took her into counsel on the case. The machine would
not have done this either.

It is a rule of the mill not to consult with parents. If parents wish
consultation, let them talk to a stack of examination papers, or a
record-book. This will soon cure them of their desire to consult.

Mrs. Weaver heard Mr. Bright's statement with tear-filled eyes. She
had seen "Dodd" improve in every line of his life, for some months, and
had begun to form bright plans for the future of her redeemed
first-born. But, alas! here seemed to be the end of all her hopes.
However, she tried to apologize for her son, and, in any event, she
begged Mr. Bright not to give "Dodd" up yet. But the master shook his
head gravely.

"And another thing," pursued Mrs. Weaver, "I think it will be best not
to let 'Dodd's' father know anything about this. He is such a
passionate man that I am sure he would fly into a rage and attempt to
beat the boy if he should find it out. And he and 'Dodd' are so much
alike! If they should get into a quarrel, I fear that one might kill
the other before they could be parted."