Saying this in a tone of more than usual decision, he left the room, thinking sadly over the selfishness of his wife and family, which this conversation had laid so openly before him.
No sooner had he left the house, than Caroline and Maria went to the library, anxious to hear the success of the interview. Poor Mrs. Villars stood like a culprit before them, when obliged to confess that their papa had gone, with the understanding that the matter was ended, and Mabel was to remain. The mother and children seemed to have changed places.
"Well, I did think you would have managed better than that," said Maria.
"I do not think you half tried," said Caroline.
"Try yourself, then," retorted her mother.
"That, indeed, I will not; you brought the evil into the house, and it is but fair that you should have the pain of removing it."
"Well, well, my dears, I will do my best, only do not be so angry with me—go and get ready for dinner, there's dear children, I will try again."
"Soon then, if you do at all," said Caroline.
"Yes, very soon, dear, impetuous girl."
Satisfied with this promise, they went to prepare for dinner.