“Dear me, Rosamund, how impulsive you are! What does it matter how I managed the thing, provided it was done? I think it due to you to let you know that I have taken steps to prevent our father ever becoming acquainted with Jack’s wickedness; and now let us drop this revolting subject at once and for ever.”
“I am more than willing,” I replied, “provided we do not drop Jack as well.”
“What do you mean? Do you suppose I am going to have anything further to say to the fellow?”
“I cannot say whether you are or not, George, but I am. Jack must live; Hetty must be cared for.”
“Hetty! How dare you speak to me of that low-born girl?”
“I know nothing about her birth,” I retorted. “I only know that she Is a lady at heart; that she is a sweet little thing, and that I love her tenderly.”
“I don’t want to stand here any longer, Rosamund, to listen to your childishness.”
“Just as you please, George.”
“One word, however, before I go,” continued my brother. “You will have the goodness to give up this gadding into town in future, and will arrange to stay quietly at home with our mother.”
“I am sorry I cannot oblige you,” I replied. “It will be necessary for me to go back to town early to-morrow, and to continue to do so for several days.”