“No; but my son, who is the soul of truth, told me all the circumstances.”
“Your son was probably angry with Harry, and could not be depended upon to give an impartial statement.”
“Slander him as much as you please,” said the visitor, angrily. “I have acquainted you with your son’s outrageous conduct, and this is all I proposed. Of course we shall expect you or your son to pay for the damage done to the buggy, and he will be fortunate if we do not have him arrested for assault and battery.”
Mrs. Gilbert did not look as much terrified as Mrs. Ross expected.
“I am very poor, as you know,” she replied; “but if Harry is really to blame for what has happened, I will do all that I can to repair the injury.”
“I am glad to see that you are talking more sensibly.”
“Don’t misunderstand me,” said the widow. “I have not heard Harry’s statement yet. From what I know of him, I presume that Philip was more in fault than he. Of course, in that case, I shall not feel called upon to pay anything.”
“Of course!” sneered Mrs. Ross; “your son will throw all the blame on my poor boy. Fortunately, we have laws; and it will be the law that must decide this matter. It isn’t for you to decide whether you will pay or not.”
This was meant as a threat, but Mrs. Gilbert answered, calmly:
“You won’t need to invoke the law, if you have a just claim.”