hings round the room first, so the 'dragon' won't know
we've had a fight, and then I'll begin. And--I say, Stevie--I--I'm
going to turn over a new leaf--sure, and the next time I act as I did
this morning just hit me on the head, will you? I'll deserve it."
Which from Dave was a full, ample, and most honorable apology, and as
such Stevie took it.

A few days later Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence returned home, much to the
satisfaction and happiness of the children, who had, as Eva said, "lots
and lots" to tell them. Then when the three older folks were alone
together, Miss Higginson told her story. "I've watched 'em close, and
seen and heard more than those boys ever dreamed I did," she finished
up, "and I say that our Stevie's a hero--though he doesn't know it.
What he's stood with that Dave can't be told, and never a word of
complaint out of him. And, do you know, I really think he's improved
Dave as well as himself in the matter of temper."

"A Christian and an American," Mr. Lawrence said, with a glad thrill in
his voice, smiling over at Stevie's mamma, whose shining eyes smiled
back at him. "Thank God, our boy is rising to his responsibilities.
But don't let him know he's done anything wonderful, Hitty."

"I'll not tell him," promised the old housekeeper. "But the good Book
tells us, 'He that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that taketh a
city;' and seeing that's so, America's got no call to be ashamed of
Stevie, for though he's not an angel by any means, yet in his way he's
a hero as sure as was ever George Washington or Paul Revere, or my
name's not Mehitabel Higginson!"

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