Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/105

Rh short and won’t tire you, and it will be a good ending for our pleasant little visit together.”

“Must I go, Miss Bessie? Well, I will,” replied the boy with unwonted meekness. Then he suddenly added, “Oh, how I hate to go away to-morrow!”

“Has the visit been a success?” asked Bess, as they went into the parlor and she guided  Fred to his favorite chair.

“Yes, I’ve had such a good time, and you’ve all been so kind to me! Time doesn’t seem half so long, and I don’t feel near so cross and  tired here, as I do at home. I wish mother liked to do things with me half as well as you  do.” And Fred’s face looked worn and troubled.

“She has so many other things to see to,” said Bess soothingly, “and I shall be down  often. But, Fred, are you cross every time you feel like it?”

Fred blushed.

“I’m afraid I am. Miss Bess. I am sorry afterwards, but, in the time of it, I don’t think. You see, I can’t do anything at all, and when things go wrong, it seems worse than ever, and  the first I know, I’ve said it.”