Loyalty

Perhaps you have never heard the word Loyalty before, and maybe Harry had not either, but he knew what it meant, and tried to practice it.

Harry was not a very strong little boy, and he could not eat so many different kinds of food as some children can, for some of them made him sick and ill. He could not eat tart or sweet things without becoming sick. Among other things he was forbidden to take pastry. His mother,

who loved him very dearly, had one day said to him, "Harry, my boy, I cannot always be with you, but I trust you to do what I wish," and Harry said he would try always to remember. His mother kissed him on the cheek and patted his head.

One time he was invited to go and stay with his cousins, who lived in a fine old house in the country. They were strong, healthy, rosy children, quite a contrast to their delicate little cousin. They were most likely causing trouble, and were a little rough and rude as well.

There was a large apple tart for dinner one day, and when Harry said, "I do not wish for any, Auntie, thank you," his three cousins looked at him in surprise. The eldest said scornfully, "I am glad that I am not delicate," and the next boy remarked, "What a fad!" while the third muttered "Baby". They continued to scoff at him and make fun of him. This was all very hard to bear, and when his Aunt said, "I am sure a little will not hurt you," Harry felt very much inclined to give in, but he remembered that his mother trusted him, and he wanted to remain true to her wishes. This was when he decided that he would never allow anyone to take away his mother's trust. This was when he decided that he would never allow anyone to control him. This is the choice that defined him.

This is Loyalty, doing what is right even when there is no one there to see.

Be True or Loyal when no eyes are upon you.