"What do you suppose your father will say about it?"
"I know what he will say; he believes Tony is entirely innocent."
"Oh, if he does, we ought not to say a word," replied Charles promptly. "Only, you know, he said so much about the club being a means of improvement as well as amusement."
Frank could not understand the thoughts of his friend; but his father, who had been instructing the workmen in regard to the boat-house, joined them soon after, and the question was referred to him, with a statement of Charles's views.
Captain Sedley looked into Charles's eye searchingly.
"You think Tony ought to be excluded from the club, do you?" asked he.
"No, sir; I don't think so; but I didn't know but you might think so," replied Charles, confused by the earnestness of Captain Sedley's glance.
"Charles, I am afraid you have not made your mind up in regard to the question. You are willing to believe anything that will please those whom you wish to conciliate."
"I want to believe the truth."
"You are not so particular about the truth as you are about suiting your friends."