Anthony paid no attention to Michael. He turned on Michael's brother.
"Nicky, what did you do it for?"
"For a rag, of course. I knew you'd feel such a jolly fool when you found it wasn't me."
"You see, Daddy," he explained later, "you might have known I wouldn't have let Roger down. But wasn't it a ripping sell?"
"What are you to do," said Anthony, "with a boy like that?"
Frances had an inspiration. "Do nothing," she said. Her tranquillity refused to be troubled for long together.
"Nicky's right. It's no good trying to punish him. After all, why punish Nicky? It isn't as if he was really naughty. He never does unkind things, or mean things. And he's truthful."
"Horribly truthful. They all are," said Anthony.
"Well, then, what does Nicky do?"
"He does dangerous things."