"Go away, Sally," said Mr. Benson, annoyed at the fresh
difficulty in his path.
"I'll not stir never a step till you give me that switch, as
you've got for some mischief, I'll be bound."
"Sally! remember where it is said, 'He that spareth the rod,
spoileth the child,'" said Mr. Benson austerely.
"Ay, I remember; and I remember a bit more than you want me to
remember, I reckon. It were King Solomon as spoke them words, and
it were King Solomon's son that were King Rehoboam, and no great
shakes either. I can remember what is said on him, 2 Chronicles,
xii. chapter, 14th v.: 'And he'--that's King Rehoboam, the lad
that tasted the rod--'did evil, because he prepared not his heart
to seek the Lord.' I've not been reading my chapters every night
for fifty year to be caught napping by a Dissenter, neither!"
said she triumphantly. "Come along, Leonard." She stretched out
her hand to the child, thinking that she had conquered.
But Leonard did not stir. He looked wistfully at Mr. Benson.
"Come!" said she impatiently. The boy's mouth quivered.
"If you want to whip me, uncle, you may do it. I don't much
mind."
Put in this form, it was impossible to carry out his intentions;
and so Mr. Benson told the lad he might go--that he would speak
to him another time. Leonard went away, more subdued in spirit
than if he had been whipped. Sally lingered a moment. She stopped
to add: "I think it's for them without sin to throw stones at a
poor child, and cut up good laburnum-branches to whip him.
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