Fulbert heard, and turning to the Rector, as if he thought every one else beneath his notice, said, 'The long and short of it is this: Lance and I picked young Collis out of a ditch, and took him home. Then Captain Collis asked us rabbit-shooting. Lance never went again, because Felix did not choose it. I did; and, just by way of a joke, I took Clement there without his knowing what place it was. We fell in with them skating, and went into the house, the day before yesterday. That is,' said Fulbert, concluding as he had begun, 'the long and short of it. Whatever happened was my fault, and no one else's.'
'A very honest confession!' said kind Mr. Bevan, pleased to have something to praise.
'And I hope it will act as a warning,' said Lady Price.
'But,' said Mr. Smith, partly incited by Carry's looks, 'it was true that you—two of you were brought home by young Jackman.'
'Yes,' said Fulbert, growing crimson, 'he drove Clement and me home!'
'And,' said Mr. Audley, 'it was Clement's great distress that kept Felix at home the next morning.'
'Yes,' said Fulbert, 'there was nobody else but me, and Clem could hardly bear the sight of me, because I had led him into it. We thought no one in the house would know it—and I don't believe they do.'
'Ah!' said Lady Price, 'it is false kindness to attempt concealment.'
'From lawful authority it is,' said Mr. Audley; 'but in this case it was only from children and servants. However, Fulbert, I think you have fully satisfied Mr. Bevan as to the amount of intercourse between your brothers and Marshlands.'
'Entirely,' said Mr. Bevan; 'in fact, you may assure your brother that I never believed anything to his discredit.'