John hated him more than ever, and grew very red.

Mrs.Goddard saw the boy's embarrassment and presently relented.
"I daresay you will do it better than I," she said, handing him the poker, which John seized with alacrity.

"That big coal--there," she added, pointing to a smouldering block in the corner of the grate.
"I did not mean to be rude," said John.

"I only wanted to help you." He knelt by her side poking the fire industriously.

"I only wanted to get a chance to talk to you," he added, in a low voice, barely audible to Mrs.
Goddard as she leaned forward.
"I am afraid you cannot do that just now," she said, not unkindly, but with the least shade of severity in her tone.