A hot flush came over the cripple’s face.
“You’ve grown very considerate for me—for once,” he said, bitterly. “Did Lilian send you?”
“No; it would have been better for her if she had.”
“What have you done to her?” cried Stephen, anxiously.
“I’ve only boxed her ears for impertinence,” said Harry, haughtily.
“You brute! How dared you? I wish George had seen you.”
“George was lying on his back in the picture-gallery, where I left him.”
A sharp cry escaped the lips of the little governess.
“What! You have hurt your brother—perhaps killed him!”
“I haven’t hurt him, Miss Lane,” said Harry, with an uncomfortable blush. “I shouldn’t have touched him if he hadn’t wanted to prevent my seeing you home. You will let me now, won’t you?” said he, with sudden gentleness.