And Christabel thought of what she had once read, that people would often gladly put away from their children friends the very trials that are sent by Heaven to prove and strengthen their will and power of resisting self-indulgence. Before she had quite thought it out, the quick steps were back again, and Sam greeted the entrance of John thus: “Well, if that isn’t a shame! Have you been and done Sukey out of all that, Jack?” “It was only three bulls’ eyes,” said Susan, following. “You know he had nothing of his own, and it was so hard, and Annie gave him some.” “And Nurse some,” added Hal. “Trust Jackie for taking care of himself.” Well he might say so, considering how full were John’s mouth, hands, and pockets. “And Davie has had nothing!” said kind Susan. “Here, Davie!” holding out to him an amber-like piece of barley-sugar. “I don’t want your stuff,” said David roughly. “You’ve spent all away from the pig.” “No, Davie, indeed, only twopence,” said Susan; “pray have a bit.” “You might at least say thank you,” said Miss Fosbrook. But how difficult is that middle road which is the only right one! David, being too much set on one single purpose, good though it was, could see nothing else. It was right and generous to abstain from sweets with this end in view; but it was wrong to be rude and unthankful to the sister who meant all so kindly, and was the most unselfish of all. She turned round to Elizabeth with the kind offer of the dainty she had not even tasted herself, but was not more graciously treated. “How can you, Susie? it is all pulled about with your fingers.” This was a matter on which the Misses and Masters Merrifield were not wont to be particular; and with one of the teasing laughs that Bessie hated, Sam exclaimed as Susan turned to him, “Yes, thank you, Sukey, _I_ don’t mind finger sauce,” but not before John was stretching out a hand glazed with sugar, and calling out, “Oh, give it to me!” and as it disappeared in his brother’s mouth, he burst out angrily, “How cross, Sam! You did that on purpose!” “Yes,” said Sam, “I did; for though pigs on four legs are all very well, I don’t like pigs on two.” “Here, Jackie, never mind,” said Susan, seeing him about to begin to cry, and offering him her last sugar-plum. “I don’t want sugar-plums, I want barley-sugar,” said John devouring it nevertheless. “I haven’t one bit more,” said Susan regretfully. “Have you had any yourself, Susan?” asked Sam. “No; but I didn’t want any.” “Oh then, here Susie, I always keep a reserve,” said Henry. “No, no, not you, Jack; I don’t feed little pigs, whatever Susie does.”