"I went up there with Michael, aunt."
"I didn't ask you that, dear. I am afraid you have no confidence in us, Terence. I didn't ask you who went with you. Can't you say yes or no, Terence? Were you long at the gate?"
"No, aunt."
"Was any one but Michael with you?"
"Yes, aunt."
"Was it Adams?"
"No, aunt."
"Can't you say anything but yes or no, Terence? Have you no command of the Queen's English, after all the money, too, your poor father wasted on your education,—and now the rector? Speak up, my dear child, and tell us everything honestly and nobly."
"But there is nothing to tell, aunt, except that——"
"No, collect yourself, Terence; take time, my dear. Now, answer me: who was with you, besides Michael?"