'Oh, I suppose we are all bad,' replied Charlotte.
The old man emitted a huge leonine sigh. If they were all bad, who had made them so? If they were unprincipled, selfish, and disreputable, who was to be blamed for the education which had had so injurious an effect.
'I know you'll ruin me among you,' said he.
'Why, papa, what nonsense that is. You are living within your income this minute, and if there are any new debts, I don't know of them. I am sure there ought to be none, for we are dull enough here.'
'Are those bills of Madeline's paid?'
'No, they are not. Who was to pay them?'
'Her husband may pay them.'
'Her husband! Would you wish me to tell her you say so? Do you wish to turn her out of your home?'
'I wish she would know how to behave herself.'
'Why, what on earth has she done now? Poor Madeline! To-day is only the second time she has gone out since we came to this vile town.'