Chapter IX: The Charity Circle

"I AM so glad," exclaimed Lionel, overtaking Joel Barnes. "I knew that Frank didn't take the chain; but he never would have felt right about it, if it hadn't been found. Now I can forgive myself. You know, there wouldn't have been any fuss, if I had had charity toward Frank as I ought."

"That was an awful story," said Joel. "I wonder how Mr. Monks could tell us. 'Tisn't every teacher would do so for his scholars."

"I'm sure I never shall forget it," murmured Lionel. "It makes me ashamed every time I remember that little Annie Ross, the youngest girl in school, was the only one who had charity for Frank, or the courage to treat May kindly."

"Is she the little girl Sophy Lane calls a coward?"

"Yes; and she may be afraid to tread on worms, or caterpillars; or even to kill flies; but she isn't afraid to do what she thinks is right."

"There come Frank and May behind us," said Joel. "Let's stop and see what they have to say."

"Shall you join our Charitable Society, as Annie calls it?" asked May.

"I would like to join where they all would promise to think well of me," answered Lionel, laughing, as he put his arm lovingly in Frank's.

"I should think it would be a good plan to have speaking on the subject," remarked Joel.

"Yes," added May, "that is what we want, to have the boys declaim, and the girls write their thoughts, which some one can be appointed to read."

"Mr. Monks would approve of that," said Frank, "because it might be for our benefit in many ways."

"Once in a while we could have a party or picnic, and celebrate our Charity Circle," suggested May.

"That's a capital name," exclaimed a voice from behind; "and if the rules contained in Corinthians are carried out, I prophesy that you will revolutionize our whole town; and be voted the greatest public benefactors that ever lived in it."

"We'll do it, Mr. Monks!" they all exclaimed. "At least we'll try."