“Did she say those words, Philip?”
“Yes, word for word, and looked like an angel when she said so. I replied that I would certainly deliver her message, but that I must not remain, for fear of Mr. Trevannion finding me with her, as he ordered me to quit the house.
“‘Indeed,’ said she; ‘what can be the matter with my poor father?’
“‘Why, Miss Trevannion,’ said I, ‘he was very angry, and he had reason, for I was very saucy, and that’s the truth.’
“‘Why, Philip, what did you say to him?’
“‘Oh, I hardly know,’ replied I, ‘but I know that I said more than I ought; for I was very angry at my brother’s dismissal. Good-bye, Miss Trevannion.’
“Miss Trevannion was taking a ring off her finger as I said good-bye, and I thought she was going to give it me as a keep-sake; but, after a little hesitation, she put it on again, and then held out her hand, saying, ‘Good-bye, Master Philip, let us not part in anger, at all events.’ I took her hand, bowed, and turned away to quit the room; when I was at the door I looked round, and she was sitting with her face in her hands, and I think she was weeping. I went out into the street, and waited for Captain Levee, and there’s an end of my story.”
“Well, now I’ll give you my portion, Elrington:—As soon as Philip went out of the room, Mr. Trevannion said, ‘That’s a most impudent boy, and I am glad that he is gone. You are of course aware that his brother has left me, and the cause of our disagreement.’
“‘Yes, Sir,’ replied I, drily, ‘I have heard the whole particulars.’
“‘Did you ever hear of such ridiculous scruples?’ said he.