"Look here, child, you have got a kind friend in Mr. Preston. He is going to support you both here for a month longer. It is very good of him, for you are nothing, either of you, but little beggar brats, as your cousin in France won't send any more money."
"Our cousin in France won't send any more money!" repeated Cecile. Her face grew very pale, her eyes fell to the ground; in a moment she raised them.
"Where are we to go at the end of the month, Aunt Lydia Purcell?"
"To the workhouse."
"You said before it was to the Union."
"Yes, child, yes; 'tis all the same."
But here Maurice, who had been busy playing with Toby and apparently not listening to a single word, scrambled up hastily to his feet and came to Cecile's side.
"But Cecile and me aren't going into no Union, wicked Aunt Lydia Purcell!" he said.
"Heity-teity!" said Lydia, laughing at his little red face and excited manner.
The laugh enraged Maurice, who had a very hot temper.