It is easy to excuse the
shortcomings of early childhood, but it is hard to tolerate even
unavoidable lapses in a boy of fourteen. The lad himself becomes
painfully self-conscious. When he talks with elderly people he is
either unduly forward, or else so unduly shy that he appears ashamed of
his very existence.
Yet it is at this very age when in his heart of hearts a young lad most
craves for recognition and love; and he becomes the devoted slave of any
one who shows him consideration. But none dare openly love him, for
that would be regarded as undue indulgence, and therefore bad for the
boy. So, what with scolding and chiding, he becomes very much like a
stray dog that has lost his master.
For a boy of fourteen his own home is the only Paradise. To live in a
strange house with strange people is little short of torture, while the
height of bliss is to receive the kind looks of women, and never to be
slighted by them.
It was anguish to Phatik to be the unwelcome guest in his aunt's house,
despised by this elderly woman, and slighted, on every occasion.
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