“Dear old fellow,” she said; “oh, I am so sorry about the exam.”
“The exam.!” he repeated. “Oh, you needn’t bother, old girl; I don’t care. What’s an exam. fifty years hence?”
His lips were under his own control again.
The girl’s arm went from his shoulder to his neck. [102] ]“Dear Pip, I wish you’d tell me things sometimes; don’t shunt me altogether because I’m only your sister. Pip, couldn’t you tell me? I know you’re in trouble; couldn’t I help a bit? Dear old fellow, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do.” Such an earnest, loving voice it was.
But he freed his neck, and put her away almost roughly.
“Help me!” he said bitterly; “you’re the last in the world who would. Yes, I’m in trouble, perhaps; but it’s a trouble you girls and Esther would do your best to increase.”
Meg’s eyes filled, but she would not be repulsed. “Try me,” she said. “Is it gambling, Pip? Are you in need of money? Is it debts? Have you done anything you daren’t tell father?” She put her arm round his shoulder again; but he stood up hastily and pushed her aside.
“It’s nothing you can help, Meg. No, it’s none of those things. As to telling you, I’d sooner cut my tongue out! There, I didn’t mean to hurt you,” for Meg’s lips had trembled; “but oh, it would be impossible for you to understand. Why, you’d be the first to be against me.” He went over to the door, and picked up his straw hat from the side-table on the way.
Meg followed him. “Sha’n’t you ever tell me?” [103] ]she said. “Not to-night, perhaps, as you don’t want to, but another time Pip; indeed, you shouldn’t be disappointed in me. Just promise you’ll tell me another time.”
“You’ll know before the month’s out,” he said, and laughed half wildly as he closed the door behind him.