"I don't feel at all hungry, mother."

"Just eat them for my sake," urged Mrs. Howland.

Without a word more Andrew took the saucer.

"Ain't they nice?" asked Mrs. Howland, as she saw that her boy
relished the fruit and cream.

"Yes, dear mother! they are very good," replied Andrew; "and you are
good, too. Indeed I love you, mother!"

The last sentence was uttered with visible emotion.

"Then, for my sake, try and do right, Andrew," said Mrs. Howland,
tenderly.

"I will try, mother," returned the boy. "I do try often; but I
forget myself a great many times."

Soon after Andrew started for school. On arriving, his teacher
called him up and said--

"Did your father get my note?"

"I don't know, sir," replied Andrew.

"What did he say to you?"

The boy's eyes sunk to the floor and he remained silent.