Roland had a battle to fight all the way home. He felt that he had done wrong; he had betrayed unchristian tempers in the presence of one whom he desired to benefit, had injured the cause of his Master, and wounded the feelings of a kind little friend, who was only enjoying, as she thought, a harmless piece of fun. The old man was very strong that day in Roland's heart; and poor Bob felt something of the inward strife, as the boy unconsciously urged him forward with the hard heels of his boot. The new man whispered other counsels--"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Roland Bruce; you pretend to be a Christian, and to get so vexed at a piece of fun from a frolicsome little girl, who is such a good friend to you." Roland slackened his pace, and by the time that he had reached the cottage door, the new man had prevailed. "Where have you been, Roland?" asked his mother. "Why, mother, this is the first of April, and Madeline has sent me on a wild goose chase this whole afternoon. I was very angry at first, and said some unkind things for which I am very sorry." "I need not tell you what is your duty, Roland." "No, dear mother; I will not lay my head upon my pillow to-night, without clearing my conscience." As soon as tea was over, he walked over to Woodcliff; and when near the house, met his little friend walking with a serious step along the lane. As soon as she saw Roland, she turned her head away, drew up her form to its utmost height, and with a proud step attempted to pass by. But Roland crossed her path, and taking off his cap said, "Madeline, I could not go to my rest to-night, without asking your pardon for my rudeness. I am very sensitive to ridicule, but I do hope that you will forgive my hasty speech. I ought to have been ashamed of myself for such conduct to you." She turned her face towards the boy. Her eyes were swimming with tears, but she extended her hand, and said, "I do forgive you, Roland, but I cannot tell you how much you wounded me, for I was only in fun; and then, Roland, I thought that Christians never get angry." "That is what grieved me so much, Madeline; that I, who try to teach you, should have forgotten myself so far; it has taught me a good lesson, and bade me to look up for help, for my strength is all weakness when the tempter comes." "Well, we are friends now, Roland; I could not bear to be angry with you. I shall not forget this first of April, and know where to play my tricks in future." CHAPTER VIII. BOSTON RELATIVES. "Which way, Maddy, this vacation?" asked Mr. Hamilton. "What do you think of Boston, papa? I have not seen Aunt Clara so long; may I not go there? I don't remember her at all." "That is what I was thinking of, Maddy; your aunt has written so often. I am afraid, however, that you will have a sober visit, for Aunt Clara is a very religious woman." "I have cousins in Boston, papa, and they will make my time pass pleasantly."