He had been afraid to combat his father's strong will, but no longer had he any fear; then and there he registered a vow before Heaven that never more should Elizabeth Rose struggle against the rough winds of adversity.
After a prolonged conversation, Matthew rose to take his leave, and the mother with renewed hope and courage went back to her little one's bedside.
Matthew's young nephews and nieces soon became greatly attached to him—all save Reg, who held himself strangely aloof; a fact which gave Matthew a certain amount of regret, and he made up his mind by consistent kindness and forbearance to win the lad's heart. And he won it at last, in a most unexpected manner.
Hugh in a moment of confidence had told his uncle the miserable story of his humiliation at school, and of the consequent coldness of the head-master, Dr. Willoughby.
Elsie's sad accident had for a while driven the trouble out of his mind, but as soon as a ray of hope pierced the gloom of the household, Hugh's thoughts again reverted to his disgrace.
Matthew was a good listener, and his wise counsel comforted Hugh more than a little.
Monty Rose, in the consciousness of his brother's guilt, felt very burdened and downcast, but until Reg's sense of honour bade him make what reparation lay in his power, the lad felt bound to secrecy.
Gwennie shed many tears about it, and it was almost the only secret she withheld from Ronnie, who, despite their occasional wordy warfare, was still her best and dearest friend.
One Saturday afternoon Matthew, when calling at York House, chanced to find Reg at home alone; after a kindly greeting, he looked at the lad critically.
"You're not looking up to the mark, my boy!" he said kindly.