So distressed was the woman that, unmindful of how the words would sound, and the impression they would convey, she asked in a tone that was harsher than she would have used if she had been entirely herself.
“You didn’t do it, did you?”
In surprise, Harry looked at her for several moments.
“No, indeed,” he finally replied.
“Thank goodness. We have trouble enough without that.”
Never before had the boy seen his aunt so upset, and her asperity was all the more striking because of her usual kindly humor.
“What’s the trouble? Tell me, Aunt Mary, please?” he finally asked.
“It’s bad news, Harry.”
Instantly the boy became as solemn and serious as his aunt. His face grew white and the lines about his mouth grew deep.
“You mean you’ve had bad news from father?”