time--sympathy and unselfishness and self-sacrifice.

"I shall tell you my own story for the benefit of those who have
not heard it. When I was a lad of sixteen I started to work out
my own education. Some of you will remember that old Mr. Blair
of Avonlea offered me a place in his store for the summer, at
wages which would go far towards paying my expenses at the
country academy the next winter. I went to work, eager and
hopeful. All summer I tried to do my faithful best for my
employer. In September the blow fell. A sum of money was
missing from Mr. Blair's till. I was suspected and discharged in
disgrace. All my neighbors believed me guilty; even some of my
own family looked upon me with suspicion--nor could I blame them,
for the circumstantial evidence was strongly against me."

Ralph and James looked ashamed; Edith and Margaret, who had not
been born at the time referred to, lifted their faces innocently.
Robert did not move or glance up. He hardly seemed to be
listening.

"I was crushed in an agony of shame and despair," continued
Malcolm. "I believed my career was ruined. I was bent on
casting all my ambitions behind me, and going west to some place
where nobody knew me or my disgrace. But there was one person
who believed in my innocence, who said to me, 'You shall not give
up--you shall not behave as if you were guilty. You are
innocent, and in time your innocence will be proved. Meanwhile
show yourself a man. You have nearly enough to pay your way next
winter at the Academy. I have a little I can give to help you
out. Don't give in--never give in when you have done no wrong.'