He hurried from the room. Then she heard the door close, and his footsteps hurrying up the stairs followed by the banging of his door.
“Lost, lost!” she wailed; and she threw herself sobbing upon the couch.
“Well!” said a sharp voice, and the girl started up and tried hard to remove all traces of her tears.
“I did not hear you come in, aunt dear.”
“Perhaps not, my love, but I have been waiting and listening. Well, what does he say about coming home in that state last night? I’m sure, my dear, that was wine! Is he going to be a good boy now?”
Laura uttered a passionate sob.
“Oh no, aunt, oh no!” she cried.
“Because if he is and will repent very seriously, I may some day, perhaps, forgive him. But I must have full assurance that he is really sorry for all his wickedness. What did he say, child?”
“Nothing, aunt. It is hopeless—hopeless.”
“Then I was right at first. He has gone quite out of his mind, and I fully believe that it is our duty to have him put under restraint.”