Marcus was sulky towards Hatty all the noon. He did not go out to help her feed the bantams, though she went through the room where he was, with the food in her hand, to give him a chance, if he wished, to join her pleasantly. Hatty loved her brother, and since she had been making an effort to govern her temper, she had enjoyed being with him. He, too, found in her a very pleasant companion. She was ready to listen to him when he talked, and let herself be instructed, though she sometimes knew as much as he did about the subjects of which he was speaking. Marcus did not teaze Hatty much of late, as she had learned to laugh, herself, even when he warmed his hands by her red hair, or asked her if she was so hot-tempered that she had set her head on fire in a passion. Marcus was glad that day when it came time for him to go to school again, though he generally thought the intermission quite too short. He missed Hatty, and he felt uneasy about what she had said. An uncomfortable feeling was at his heart. He was acting a lie! The truth had been plainly told him, and he could not forget it. VII. Marcus was very cross to Hatty for a day or two after their conversation in the arbour; and whenever he was in the house he kept the children perpetually uncomfortable with his teasing. Hatty had all this to bear in silence, for she would not trouble her mother with complaints when she had so much on her mind. Saturday came, and Marcus was to be at home all day. Hatty actually dreaded it. She did not know how she should get through so many hours, with Marcus about the house, so she resolved to go early to the arbour, and perhaps he would not follow her there. Marcus lounged about by himself for a while, and at last, out of loneliness, he went down to the arbour, too. Hatty looked up pleasantly as he drew near, and said: “Why can’t you get a book, Marcus, and read something to Meg and me?” “To Meg and you!” said Marcus, contemptuously. “A pretty business for a boy of twelve!” Hatty did not like contempt, and she answered, hastily: “I am only two years younger than you are, and mother says I am farther advanced in some of my studies!” “Hurrah for the red-head; touch her, and she goes off like a brimstone match!” said Marcus, triumphantly, for he was tired of having all the crossness on his own side. “Hatty’s hair isn’t red,” said Meg, angrily. “I heard a lady say, the other day, it was beautiful auburn hair; and she said Hatty was sweet-looking and good, and that is more than anybody will say of you.” “Bad boy! bad boy! Go away!” said Harry, lifting his fat little leg and trying to kick Marcus with his wee foot. Hatty could not reprove the children, for she herself had set the example of speaking angry words. Heartily ashamed of herself, she said: “I am very sorry I spoke so to you, Marcus; it was not right. I ought not to mind being put with Meg, for she is a dear little girl, and I love her very much.”