But I was deceived in the time.

I was a good way off when the clock struck, and I ran home as fast as I could.

I'm sure it wasn't ten minutes after when I rang the bell.
But nobody would let me in; not even _you_, mother--and I thought so hard of _that!_" With what a pang did these last words go through the heart of Mrs.
Howland.
"I wanted to let you in," replied the mother, "but your father said that I must not do so." "And so you left me to sleep in the streets," said the boy, with much bitterness.

"I couldn't have turned a dog off in that way!" "Don't, don't speak so, Andrew! You will break my heart!" returned the mother, sobbing, "I did open the door for you, but you were not there." "I knocked and rung a good while." "I know.

But I had to wait until your father was asleep.