"But why did he do so? It is quite contrary to his character to turn anybody out. When he dismissed the servants, he did it very kindly, and only because he could not afford to keep them."
Lady Helena remained silent.
"Do tell me, mamma, why he behaved so. It isn't like him; you know it isn't like him."
"There are people, Edith," said her ladyship, "who commit great follies; and then, when the misfortunes come which they themselves have caused, they cannot endure to hear one word of blame. They must be pitied and sympathized with, and then they are very nice and amiable; but if you express the least censure, they fly into a passion and insult you."
"You mean that you censured papa for his imprudence, and that he got angry."
"I said very little to him. I said a few words which were strictly true. I never scold."
"No, mamma, you never scold; but scolding would be easier to bear than your blame. I see how it all was; you blamed papa in two or three terribly just and severe words, and then, after that, you said nothing to console him in his misery, and he became irritable, and said something hasty."
Lady Helena said nothing to this, but she did not look displeased; and she showed no inclination either to leave the room or to change the subject.
"Dear mamma, I don't think you did wrong in blaming papa's imprudence; but if you had given him one word of kindness afterwards, you would never have lost him."