I had to eat and sleep and study my books; and every day we went to walk--like tramps, as you call them," he elucidated, his face brightening with obvious delight at being able, for once, to explain matters in terms that he felt sure would be understood.
"Tramps, indeed!" muttered Simeon Holly, under his breath.

Then, sharply: "Did you never perform any useful labor, boy?
Were your days always spent in this ungodly idleness ?" Again David frowned in mild wonder.
"Oh, I wasn't idle, sir.

Father said I must never be that.

He said every instrument was needed in the great Orchestra of Life; and that I was one, you know, even if I was only a little boy.

And he said if I kept still and didn't do my part, the harmony wouldn't be complete, and--" "Yes, yes, but never mind that now, boy," interrupted Simeon Holly, with harsh impatience.