Something, in their conduct was ever displeasing to him, and he attempted its correction by coldness, repulsion, harsh words, or cruel punishment.

He never sought to lead, but to force them into the right way.
The word of interdiction was uttered, but Andrew could not give up his sweet little friend; and the word was therefore disregarded.
Stealthily, to avoid punishment, he went to her but watchful eyes were upon him, and he was soon brought back.

Gently and earnestly his mother would chide his disobedience; harshly his father would punish it--but all was of no avail.
"Where is Andrew ?" asked Mr.Howland, on returning home one evening from his store, and not seeing the bright little fellow in the room with his mother.

This was on the occasion of his introduction to the reader.
"I don't know.

He was here just now," replied Mrs.Howland.
"I saw him a little while ago playing on the steps with Emily Winters," said the nurse, who had come recently into the family, and was not aware of the prohibition that existed in regard to the child she had mentioned.
"Is it possible!" exclaimed Mr.Howland, angrily.