Being a little in disgrace he went off more than ever by himself, always appearing again at the appointed time, but telling no one where he had been or what he had been doing.

His father had no influence over him at all, whilst Uncle Samuel could make him do whatever he wanted--and this, as Aunt Amy said, "was really a pity." "It's a good thing he's going to school in September," sighed his mother.

"He's getting out of women's hands." Mary longed with feverish longing to share in his adventures.

If only he would tell her what he did on these walks of his.

But no, only Hamlet knew.