A silent pause ensued. It was broken by Mrs. Trevor, quietly suggesting the advisability of a more regular and impartial allowance being bestowed upon the two younger boys, remarking that she feared the present arrangement was likely to be prejudicial to the characters of both, perhaps to their future conduct through life. The mother spoke more firmly, more courageously than usual. Perhaps the incident which had just been enacted, had a little hardened and strengthened her spirit for the encounter. But her words were of little avail. "Not at all, not at all," was the angry interruption. "Allow me, Madam, to act as I please on that point. I give what I please, and withhold what I please, as I see fit and proper; and I have found out pretty well before to-day, that whilst I could trust one boy with a whole bank of money, the other is not, nor ever will be, worthy to possess one shilling of his own. I shall, therefore, act accordingly, and beg you will not attempt to interfere upon the subject; it is my department, not yours." Mrs. Trevor could only sigh, and was about to retire. But no. She must first undergo another ordeal. The door opened, and Eugene re-appeared, attended by Marryott. "She is so pleased, papa, and so obliged," cried the boy, "and is come to thank you." Mrs. Trevor arose with gentle dignity. Mabel Marryott had not been apprised of her mistress' presence in the library, but the expression of her well-disciplined countenance--that "face formed to conceal"--scarcely evinced this fact as she paused upon the threshold, and with the utmost composure and respect, apologised for her intrusion; but begged to be allowed to express her grateful thanks for the beautiful present which her dear master Eugene had just brought to her. It was much too handsome for her, appealing with the greatest deference to Mrs. Trevor; but she would gladly wear it for her dear boy's sake. "Do--do so, Marryott, it is Eugene's present--quite his own," Mr. Trevor replied with some embarrassment of manner. "Indeed, Sir?" with the utmost simplicity; "well, I must say, he is always a dear generous child," and she stooped and kissed the boy, who rather unwillingly submitted to his nurse's fondling. Mrs. Trevor knew that this was the same woman, who had so short a time ago betrayed her generous child Eustace, to the unjust anger of his father, and there was something in this present demonstration of affection towards this other, which went greatly against her feelings. She rose--never with all her provocations, was her mild ladylike deportment laid aside, and said: "Eugene, dear, open the door for me; I am going up-stairs."