"It shall be taken from you. John," turning to her husband, "I appeal to you. After Helen's disgraceful behaviour you cannot wish her to keep the present which in your mistaken kindness you appear to have given her."
The colonel sighed, but came forward nervously.
"Helen," he said, "pray do not oppose your mother. You know that she only desires your good. And really—"
He stopped short, for Helen was regarding him with a curious expression, and her breath was coming thick and fast.
"Do you want me to give her my violin?" she asked.
"Only for a little time, Helen, to show that you are sorry, and that you will be more obedient in future."
For a full minute Helen stood clutching her violin and regarding her father with that same curious expression; then she let the instrument drop slowly from her shoulder, and seizing it with her right hand, flung it from her with a furious gesture. It fell at Mrs. Desmond's feet.
