Nurse had seen the lad several times years ago, and she still kept a soft spot in her heart for the poor, naughty scapegrace. Dina soon found this out and shared it, and often she betook herself to this room (which had been his when he stayed with his father during school holidays), and remained there studying the bright, frank young face, so full of spirit and promise—and wished she had a big grown-up brother.
Once, indeed, she had gathered up her courage and asked her father where Brother Bob was, and why he did not come to see them; but Mr. Ellis had turned upon her angrily and forbidden her ever again to mention Bob's name.
And nurse had shaken her head and said sadly, in her old-fashioned way:
"Ah, well-a-day, Miss Dina, my darlin'! If his own father won't hear him spoke of, sure the master knows somethin' as we don't, and I fear me the poor lad has gone to the bad."
What the exact meaning of the phrase "gone to the bad" might mean, the twins, even after heated discussion, could not agree, but the cloud of mystery that overhung it seemed to make much worse any meaning it might have.
"Why are you mooning in front of that picture?" said Gerald. "I want you to come out with me. The nuts are ripe now in Hazel Copse, and if we don't pick them, the village children will. Come along."
And with a lingering look at the picture, Dina turned and went with her brother.
Together they explored the nut wood, filling their baskets and chatting the while. Thus the afternoon passed, and the autumn twilight began to close in.
[CHAPTER V.]
"IS IT BECAUSE YOU WENT TO THE BAD?"