"Miss Warner," he said, "I was on my way to the Grove to speak to you on a subject that I fear will give you pain."
Priscilla started, "What is it?" she said. "Anything wrong with Austin?"
"No, not with him."
"Then it's Lewis?" she queried. "What of him?"
"Yes; it is of Lewis I came to speak. Miss Warner, something must be done, or your brother's whole life will be wrecked. Austin has done all he can; but he is a younger brother, and has no authority over him. Dr. Warner must be told. It is, believe me, mistaken kindness to conceal from him that Lewis spends his evenings with the most good-for-nothing set of fellows in the school; and latterly they have succeeded in enticing him to join them in associating with a set of gamblers, and I have learned for certain that your brother is losing money every night at billiards and cards."
Priscilla started. "Mr. M'Ivor," she said, "that is impossible. Where could Lewis get money to lose?"
"Ah, that I cannot say; but 'tis even so. And the rumour of it has reached the ears of the headmaster, and if steps are not taken immediately, he will make the whole matter known himself to your father."
"No, no, Mr. M'Ivor, that must not be. What can we do? Oh, if only my father could be saved this pain! He dotes on Lewis, and the knowledge of his wrong-doing will break his heart."
"Believe me, Miss Warner," said the lad in an earnest voice, "I would do what I could to save Dr. Warner and yourself a moment's pain, but I fear it is too late. I have spoken often to Lewis, and entreated him to give up his idle associates and spend his evenings as Austin does at home; but—"
Priscilla almost groaned. Too well she knew whose blame it was that Lewis had ever begun to go out in the evenings. Truly her sin had found her out; and she was learning, as so many have had to do, that the deadly effects of our past sins, even though we have repented of them and been forgiven, will crop up and bring forth fruit in others to our grievous sorrow. Oh, for Harry's counsel and help now!