"Come, Master Johnny," said Sarah.

"Go away, Sarah," said Johnny, with a backhander.

"Oh! fie, Master Johnny," said Mary.

"Johnny, my love," said Mrs Easy in a coaxing tone, "come now--will
you go?"

"I'll go in the garden and get some more cherries," replied Master
Johnny.

"Come, then, love, we will go into the garden."

Master Johnny jumped off his chair, and took his mamma by the hand.

"What a dear, good, obedient child it is!" exclaimed Mrs Easy; "you
may lead him with a thread."

"Yes, to pick cherries," thought Dr Middleton. Mrs Easy, and Johnny,
and Sarah, and Mary, went into the garden, leaving Dr Middleton alone
with Mr Easy, who had been silent during this scene. Now Dr Middleton
was a clever, sensible man, who had no wish to impose upon anyone. As
for his taking a guinea for putting on a piece of sticking-plaster,
his conscience was very easy on that score. His time was equally
valuable, whether he were employed for something or nothing; and,
moreover, he attended the poor gratis. Constantly in the house, he had
seen much of Mr John Easy, and perceived that he was a courageous,
decided boy, of a naturally good disposition; but from the
idiosyncrasy of the father, and the doting folly of the mother, in a