"
"You are not suffering."
"No," murmured the lad, hanging his head.
"You have plenty to eat."
"Yes."
"And the food is good."
Theo flushed, but said nothing.
"There is many a boy worse off than you are."
"Probably."
"I guess your father could show you a score of them were you to
accompany him on one of his hospital rounds. Suppose, for example, you
were in pain every moment, and were never to walk again. That would be
a real calamity, and something to fuss about."
Theo raised his eyes.
"I know it, sir," he said instantly. "I'm afraid I have been pretty
grumpy and cross."
"No. Until now you have been most patient--phenomenally patient for a
lad who loves to be doing something every minute. It is precisely
because you have done so well that I'd like you to hold out a little
longer."
Theo's lip quivered; then suddenly his scowl melted into a mischievous
smile.
"I believe, Mr. Croyden, that you are as good at preaching as you are
at lecturing," he observed gaily.
Mr. Croyden nodded his head.
"You are one of the few persons, Theo, who appreciate me at my full
value. I am really a very gifted person if only other people suspected
it.
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