"But I'm not glad—and I don't want to see him."
"Jack!"
"No, I don't; and I won't see him," bursting into angry tears. "What's the good of a father like that! To stay away from us and never write us a letter, and only come back 'cause he's ill!"
"It was I who brought him back, you must remember."
"What will all the fellows say! I've told them——"
"Never mind all that. You can tell them your father has had disappointments, and they will be sorry for him."
"Not they, they'll sneer. Oh, mummy, I am so wretched!"
She tried to soothe him, but the angry spirit had got hold of him too much. "Come and see him, there's a dear Jack. You will be sorry for him when you see how ill he is."
"No, I won't. He's been cruel to you—cruel!"
"Jack," standing straight up and speaking very firmly, "I am grieved, deeply grieved, at your unloving spirit. You had better get dressed and go at once to your aunt's and remain there till you have a more forgiving spirit. How could I tell your father that you refuse to see him!"