Francis Aldini was a good boy who took the Fourth Commandment very much to heart. If his parents got after him for something he had done, he would listen quietly. Instead of making excuses for himself, he’d apologize to his parents for displeasing them, and resolutely promise not to commit the fault again.

One day, when the boy’s tutor happened to be away, Mr. Aldini told his son to stay in the house till his tutor came back. Francis assured his father that he’d stay inside.

Some time later, in the afternoon, two of Francis’ friends dropped by unexpectedly. When Francis came to the door, his friends asked him to come with them on a short walk in the country.

A walk in the country would be lovely! Francis was so excited at the idea, that he immediately forgot his father’s order. Without a second thought, he set off with his two friends.

But they didn’t get far when poor Francis stopped abruptly.

"Ah! What have I done?" he cried out, "My father forbade me to go out!"

He left his companions at once, and hurried back home as fast as he could. Once he got back, he went straight to his father’s room.

Mr. Aldini was surprised to see his distraught son come in and kneel at his feet! Before his father could ask what was wrong, Francis told him the whole story, and asked him for pardon.

Mr. Aldini was touched to see how grieved his son was for disobeying him - even by accident. The good father assured Francis of his forgiveness. He then gladly gave permission for the boy to go out with his friends, who were still waiting outside.

As he watched his dear son hurry out of the room, Mr. Aldini felt great peace and happiness as he thought ahead to his boy’s future. With great satisfaction, he said to himself:

"A son who is so anxious to please his father will always take care to keep out of evil."

This was proved by his son’s future career. Francis Aldini grew up piously, and gained the esteem and respect of all who knew him.