Stephen looked his young step-brother full in the face, and saw that Paul was in earnest. His bullying had failed of its effect, and he had a decided aversion to an encounter with the police.
"Take your money!" he said, flinging the gold piece on the floor. "I only wanted to scare you a little."
"Grace, you can pick up your money," said Paul.
"As for you, you young rascal," continued Stephen, scowling fiercely at Paul, "I won't forget your impertinence of to-night. I'll get even with you some day, see if I don't."
"Your threats won't prevent my defending my mother and sister against your brutal violence," said Paul, calmly.
Stephen staggered out of the room, nearly tumbling down the staircase in his drunken unsteadiness.
All felt relieved when he had gone.
"I should have lost my nice present but for you, Paul," said Grace.
"I came home just in time," said Paul. "I hope Stephen will keep away now. I never want to see him."
"I never knew him to act so disgracefully before," said Mrs. Palmer. "He has fallen into bad habits, and keeps disreputable company, I fear."