She did not explain matters, as she wished to conceal her husband's shame from his children.
"I don't believe it," said Harold, rudely.
"Nor I," replied Alice, in the habitual tone of disrespect which she adopted when speaking to her mother.
"It's some dodge," continued Harold. "Charley Barker has just told us about Tommy's going over to Europe, and I guess you want to steal all you can and follow him."
"Harold! Alice!" she said. "I would have spared you the pain of what I am going to tell you. It's only your wicked and undutiful conduct that forces it from me."
"Oh, yes!" replied Harold, satirically, "you care a great deal for us, we know that."
"A nice life we should have if it hadn't been for papa," chimed in Alice.
"Will you listen to me?" pleaded Mrs. Smithers, who, unaccustomed to exact obedience from the wayward children, did not know how to appease their spite and anger.
"Go on, we're listening," answered Harold.
"Your papa has been stealing the money from his employers. They have asked for his books, which are being examined by an accountant, and we do not know from one hour to another when the police will be here."