The old habit of obedience to his young aunt told, and Justin sat down again, though not without mutterings to himself.
'I don't want to spoil our tea-time,' said Aunt Mattie quietly, turning to Miss Ward,' but I think it would be best for you to explain what the little boys mean, and—what you mean, Justin.'
'I didn't mean to hurt Miss Ward,' said Justin, 'and it was settled that nothing more was to be said about it.'
'I don't think Hec and Ger were in the room when we settled that,' said Miss Ward, smiling a little. 'The facts are these, Mrs. Caryll. Justin meant to play a trick on Pat, some days ago—what they call a "book-trap"—some volumes balanced on the top of a door—you have heard of it, I daresay?—so that they fall on the head of the first person who goes into the room. Unluckily for me, I was that person, as I had to go into Pat's room unexpectedly. I did get a bad blow, but Justin was very sorry and promised never to do it again.'
'But you say that was some days ago,' said Aunt Mattie.
'Well, yes,' the governess allowed. 'This morning it was quite a different thing. Pat was not ready to go out when Justin wanted him, or something of that kind, and Justin threw a book at his door, to make him hurry, I suppose, and again it hit me, as I was crossing the passage. And—and—somehow a very little thing seems to make my head ache lately.'
In her heart Aunt Mattie did not feel surprised.
'If what I have seen to-day goes on from morning till night, I am sure I don't wonder,' she thought to herself, as she turned again to Justin. But he stopped her before she had time to speak.
'Auntie,' he said, looking, and it is to be hoped, still more feeling, very much ashamed of himself—'auntie, I was very sorry the books hit Miss Ward, especially this morning. But I didn't in the least mean it for her——'
'I should hope not, indeed,' interrupted Mrs. Caryll.