"You don't deserve me to treat you with any confidence. You are the most curious mixture of childishness, folly, and obstinacy that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting," he said in his cold voice; "but, nevertheless, as you were good enough to confide in me last night, and as your communication was of importance, you will be pleased to learn that I was able to persuade my father not to see Chillingfleet." "I am delighted," I said, running up to George, and kissing him, very much against his will. "How did you manage it, George? Do tell me." "Dear me, Rosamund, how impulsive you are! What does it matter how I managed the thing, provided it was done? I think it due to you to let you know that I have taken steps to prevent our father ever becoming acquainted with Jack's wickedness; and now let us drop this revolting subject at once and for ever." "I am more than willing," I replied, "provided we do not drop Jack as well." "What do you mean? Do you suppose I am going to have anything further to say to the fellow?" "I cannot say whether you are or not, George, but I am. Jack must live; Hetty must be cared for." "Hetty! How dare you speak to me of that low-born girl?" "I know nothing about her birth," I retorted. "I only know that she Is a lady at heart; that she is a sweet little thing, and that I love her tenderly." "I don't want to stand here any longer, Rosamund, to listen to your childishness." "Just as you please, George." "One word, however, before I go," continued my brother. "You will have the goodness to give up this gadding into town in future, and will arrange to stay quietly at home with our mother." "I am sorry I cannot oblige you," I replied. "It will be necessary for me to go back to town early to-morrow, and to continue to do so for several days." "I shall ask my father to forbid you." "Very well, George; you can please yourself, only I warn you, you had better not." "What do I care for your warnings?" He slammed the door behind him, and went down-stairs in the worst possible humour. I wondered if George had quite made up his mind to give up the girl whom he loved, and who possessed a little money, and if this was the reason he was even crosser than his wont. This thought helped me to be patient with him; and I went down-stairs to supper, resolved to show no ill-temper, but to make myself as agreeable as I possibly could. I had never in my whole life wilfully disobeyed a direct command of my father's, and I did not want to begin to do so now. I took it upon me, therefore, to make myself agreeable to him. I put his worsted-work slippers before the fire to warm. I pulled forward his favourite arm-chair, and cut the pages of a new magazine and laid it by his side. George was not in the room. My father received these attentions without any outward show of thanks; but when I came close to him for a moment, he bent forward and patted my head.