Tom Sawyer – Chapter 7: Love and Mischief

It was the next morning, and Tom arrived at school feeling excited. He couldn’t stop thinking about Becky Thatcher, the pretty new girl in town. He was determined to impress her.

As soon as the teacher looked away, Tom whispered to Becky and invited her to look at his prized possession—a brass doorknob he had found. Becky smiled politely, but she didn’t seem very interested in the doorknob.

Tom then began to draw pictures for her on his slate. He drew a house, a tree, and a cow. Becky giggled. Encouraged, Tom whispered, “Want me to teach you how to draw?” She nodded, and they leaned close together over the slate.

While they worked, Tom told her about his adventures. He explained how he could charm warts away, find treasure, and even tell where ghosts walked at night. Becky was fascinated.

Then Tom whispered, “Becky, we should be engaged.” Becky looked puzzled. “What’s that?” she asked. Tom explained, “It means you’re mine forever, and we’re going to get married. You have to promise and then kiss me.” Becky laughed nervously but agreed. They kissed quickly, and Tom said proudly, “Now you’re my fiancée.”

But Tom couldn’t stop there. He started talking about his “old fiancée,” Amy Lawrence. As soon as Becky heard that, her face fell. “You were engaged before?” she cried. “I didn’t think you loved anyone else!” She turned away from him, hurt and angry.

Tom tried to explain, but Becky wouldn’t listen. She ignored him for the rest of the morning. At lunchtime, she sat with other girls and refused to even look at him.

Feeling miserable, Tom decided to get revenge—by having fun without her. He joined his friends and played noisy games, pretending he didn’t care.

Becky, watching from a distance, decided to make Tom jealous. She waited for the perfect moment and then went over to Alfred Temple, the new boy in school. She smiled sweetly at him and began to talk. Alfred was flattered, and soon he was showing off his fancy new spelling book.

When Tom saw them together, he was furious. He turned away and tried to look busy, but inside he was burning with jealousy.

Later, Becky sneaked into the empty schoolroom to make another move in her plan. She knew the teacher’s most precious possession was a big book of pictures. The rule was clear: no student was allowed to touch it. Becky opened it carefully and began turning the pages.

Then she came to a picture of a man and woman standing very close together. It was a little shocking for a young lady to see. She gasped and shut the book quickly—but not before the corner of the page tore.

Becky panicked. If the teacher found out, she would be in big trouble. She tried to smooth the page, but the rip was clear. Just then, she heard footsteps. Tom walked in.

At first, she turned away, expecting him to tease her. But when the teacher returned and began questioning the class about the damaged book, Tom suddenly stood up. “I did it,” he said. The teacher scolded him harshly and gave him a punishment.

Becky was surprised and touched. Tom had taken the blame for her. When school ended, she ran after him. “Tom,” she said softly, “I’m sorry for being mad. You’re the best.” She smiled, and Tom felt his heart swell. They were friends again.

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Glossary

• Slate – a small flat board used for writing with chalk

• Possession – something you own

• Engaged – promised to marry someone

• Fiancée – a woman engaged to be married

• Flattered – pleased because someone shows interest or admiration

• Jealous – feeling angry or upset because someone is getting attention you want

• Precious – very valuable or important

• Tore – past tense of tear; to damage by pulling apart

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Comprehension Questions

1. What did Tom first show Becky to impress her?

2. What did Tom suggest they should be?

3. Why did Becky get angry with Tom?

4. How did Becky try to make Tom jealous?

5. What rule did Becky break in the schoolroom?

6. Who took the blame for tearing the book?

7. How did Becky feel when Tom defended her?

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Answers

1. A brass doorknob

2. He suggested they should be engaged

3. She found out Tom had been engaged to Amy Lawrence before

4. She talked sweetly to Alfred Temple and looked at his spelling book

5. She opened and looked through the teacher’s special picture book

6. Tom Sawyer

7. She felt touched and forgave him.