Angel shook her head. At the commencement of the autumn term Dr. Hope had sent his son to a strict boarding-school, as he had threatened to do. Dora proceeded to explain that her brothers had met their old school-fellow on the previous day, and had had quite a long conversation with him, during which they had noticed that he had changed a good deal.
"Gilbert says he is improved, and he told the boys he had given up betting altogether," the little girl said in conclusion.
"I only hope he spoke the truth!" Dinah exclaimed severely.
"Gilbert thinks so," Dora reminded her sister, "and he does not make many mistakes," she added, for she had great faith in her elder brother's astuteness.
As the children passed out of the churchyard by the lych-gate, Dinah called the attention of the others to two figures ahead of them. With a throb of apprehension at her heart, Angel recognized her brother and Reginald Hope.
The boys kept ahead all the way, but on reaching Haresdown House the elder proceeded down the hill; and Gerald, looking back, saw his sister and her friends. Dinah and Dora only paused a few seconds at the gate to say "good-bye," after which they went on their way, whilst Angel and her brother slowly walked towards the house.
"You need not look so serious," Gerald said gravely, noticing Angel's clouded face; "I've done no harm in speaking to Hope. Father wouldn't wish me to cut him altogether!"
"Oh no, but—"
"I shall tell father I've seen him. I met him by chance; his school broke up several days ago. Can't you trust me, even yet, Angel?" he asked a little wistfully.
"Reginald Hope had always so much influence over, you," she said half-apologetically. "I want to trust you, Gerald, but I can't help being afraid for you! Can you trust yourself? Are you sure you won't allow Reginald Hope to—to—" She broke off abruptly. Gerald sighed, but suddenly his countenance brightened, and he answered—