CHAPTER V

SUFFERING FOR THE FAULTS OF OTHERS

In silence weep.
And thy convulsive sorrows inward keep.

--Prior.

Edwin's head was still aching when he awoke in the morning, but he arose,
dressed hurriedly, and hastened to the kitchen to see if his services were
needed by his mother. There was little that he could do, but with brush and
pan he gathered the dust and lint from under the various articles of
furniture. It was such a comfort and satisfaction to Edwin to know the
names of those articles, and their uses.

After the meal was over, he carried the scraps to the dog; but as the
supply was short, he did not help himself to a part as he did when there
was plenty, for the golden rule was too much a part of his nature. When his
morning duties were done, his mother told him to go and take care of the
baby; but when he went out into the yard, he could find no one but Perry
the dog.

For the moment Edwin forgot what his mother had told him to do. The eyes of
his noble friend seemed beckoning him to the spot where he was lying, and
Edwin obeyed. Sitting down by Perry's side, he buried his little face in
the furry neck of the graceful animal, and all about him seemed to say:
"Good morning, my boy. Cheer up, cheer up! Our meals you shall share and
our songs you shall hear." The fact that there was no regret within his