te with Captain Josh, and I think
it is about time for me to say a word. Mr. Royal and I have talked
over the matter very carefully, and we can see no harm in what is
taking place. The captain has taken a remarkable fancy to the boy, and
I know for certain that Rodney has received no harm from him. On the
contrary, he has been benefited, for the captain has taught him many
useful things.

"As for his lessons, I wish to inform you all that Rodney has never
neglected them, and you know as well as I do that he stands at the head
of his class. He studies his Catechism, as well, which is more than I
can say of most of the boys in this parish. I ought to know, as I have
taught a class in the Sunday school for years. We had one boy of our
own, remember," here her voice became low, "and in our mistaken zeal
for his welfare we intended to make him a model of perfection. Instead
of studying him, we studied ourselves. We never considered the nature
of the child at all. We looked upon him as mere clay in our hands, and
we tried to mould him in our own way. When, alas, it was too late we
found that he had a will of his own, and when he became old enough he
rebelled at our restrictions, and, oh, well, you know the rest. Now,
we do not intend to make the same mistake with Rodney. He is a boy,
with all the strange impulses of a boy's restless nature. What you
have called evil in him, is merely childish enthusiasm. He is bubbling
over with energy. It is our earnest desire to guide him along right
channels, and not to break his will. Whether we shall do that or not,
remains to be seen. Most of you women here are mothers, and know the
responsibility of bringing up children. I do not interfere with you,
and I now ask you to be as considerate toward us. I trust that
henceforth all criticism will cease, especially at these meetings,
where we are gathered together to carry on the Lord's work."

When Mrs. Royal finished there was intense silence, and for once
garrulous tongues were still. All felt that the rebuke was just,
though it made them very angry. They were greatly surprised at Mrs.
Royal's boldness, as they had never heard her speak in such a decided
way before. When at last they did find their voices, they talked of
other things, and during the rest of the afternoon they never alluded
to what the rector's wife had said. But when once away from the
meeting some of the women gave their tongues free scope, especia