Frank Jones found his brother Florian alone in the butler's pantry, and was told that Peter was engaged in feeding the horses and cleaning out the stables. "He's mostly engaged in that kind of work now," said Florian.
"Who lays the tablecloth?" asked Frank.
"I do; or Edith; sometimes we don't have any tablecloth, or any clean knives and forks. Perhaps they'll have one to-day because you have come."
"I wouldn't give them increased trouble," said Frank.
"Papa told them to put their best foot forward because you are here. I don't think he minds at all about himself. I think papa is very unhappy."
"Of course he's unhappy, because they have boycotted him. How should he not be unhappy."
"It's worse than that," whispered Florian.
"What can be worse?"
"If you'll come with me I'll tell you. I don't want to say it here, because the girls will hear me;—and that old Peter will know everything that's said."
"Come out into the grounds, and take a turn before dinner." At this Florian shook his head. "Why not, Flory."