‘Nonsense! You’ve lived down that old story long ago. You would make your mark, if you only showed a little manliness and force of character. Griffith was always fond of you. Can’t you do anything to hinder him from ruining his own life and that sweet girl’s happiness?’ ‘I would—I would give my life to do so!’ exclaimed Clarence, in warm, eager tones. ‘I have tried, but he says I know nothing about it, and it is very dull at our rooms for him. I have got used to it, but you can’t expect a fellow like Griff to stay at home, with no better company than me, and do nothing but read law.’ ‘Then you _do_ know,’ began my father; but Clarence, with full self-possession, said, ‘I think you had better ask me no more questions, papa. I really know nothing, or hardly anything, personally of his proceedings. I went to one supper with him, after going to the play, and did not fancy it; besides, it almost unfitted me for my morning’s work; nor does it answer for me to sit up for him—it only vexes him, as if I were watching him.’ ‘Did you ever see him come home showing traces of excess?’ ‘No!’ said Clarence, ‘I never saw!’ and, under a stern, distressed look, ‘Once I heard tones that—that startled me, and Mrs. Robson has grumbled a good deal—but I think Peter takes it for more than it is worth.’ ‘I see,’ said my father more gently; ‘I will not press you farther. I believe I ought to be glad that these habits are only hearsay to you.’ ‘As far as I can see,’ said Clarence diffidently, but quite restored to himself, ‘Griff is only like most of his set, young men who go into society.’ ‘Oh!’ said my father, in a ‘that’s your opinion’ kind of tone; and as at that moment the yell of a newsboy was heard in the street, he exclaimed that he must go and get an evening paper. Clarence made a step to go instead, but was thrust back, as apparently my father merely wanted an excuse for rushing into the open air to recover the shock or to think it over. Clarence gave a kind of groan, and presently exclaimed, ‘If only untruth were not such a sin!’ and, on my exclamation of dismay, he added, ‘I don’t think a blowing up ever does good!’ ‘But this state of things should not last.’ ‘It will not. It would have come to an end without Peter’s springing this mine. Griff says he can’t stand Gooch any longer! And really she does worry him intolerably.’ ‘Peter professed to come without her knowledge or consent.’ ‘Exactly so. It will almost break the good old soul’s heart for Griff to leave her; but she expects to have him in hand as if he was in the nursery. She is ever so much worse than she was with me, and he is really good-nature itself to laugh off her nagging as he does—about what he chooses to put on, or eating, or smoking, or leaving his room untidy, as well as other things.’ ‘And those other things? Do you suspect more than you told papa?’