ile the master walked about. This was a quieter time;
for he would come and look over the writer's shoulder, and tell him
mildly to observe how such a letter was turned in such a copy on the
wall, and bid him take it for his model. Then he would stop and tell
them what the sick child had said last night, and how he had longed to
be among them once again; and such was the schoolmaster's gentle and
affectionate manner that the boys seemed quite remorseful that they
had worried him so much, and were absolutely quiet; eating no apples,
cutting no names, inflicting no pinches, for full two minutes
afterwards.

7. "I think, boys," said the schoolmaster, when the clock struck
twelve, "that I shall give an extra half-holiday this afternoon."

8. At this intelligence the boys, led on and headed by the tall boy,
raised a great shout, in the midst of which the master was seen to
speak, but could not be heard. As he held up his hand, however, in
token of his wish that they should be silent, they were considerate
enough to leave off, as soon as the longest-winded among them were
quite out of breath.

9. "You must promise me first," said the schoolmaster, "that you 'll
not be noisy, or, at least, if you are, that you'll go away and be
so--away out of the village, I mean. I'm sure you wouldn't disturb
your old playmate and companion."

10. There was a general murmur in the negative.

11. "Then, pray, don't forget--there's my dear scholars," said the
schoolmaster--"what I have asked you, and do it as a favour to me. Be
as happy as you can, and likewise be mindful that you are blessed with
health. Good-bye, all!"

12. "Thank you, sir," and "Good-bye, sir," were said a great many
times in a variety of voices, and the boys went out very slowly and
softly.

13. But there was the sun shining and there were the birds singing, as
the sun only shines and the birds only sing on holidays and
half-holidays; there were the trees waving to all free boys to climb
and nestle among their leafy branches; the hay, entreating them to
come and scatter it in the pure air; the green corn, gently beckoning
toward wood and stream; the smooth ground rendered smoother still by
blending lights and shadows, inviting to runs and leaps, and long
walks no one knows whither. It was more than boy could bear, and with
a joyous whoop the whole company took to their heels and spread
themselves about, shouting and laughing as they went.

14. "It's natural, than