Sir Everard laid his hand on the sheet, but it was held tight, and the curly head hidden beneath it. "Why, Humphrey, my little man, what is the matter?" Very inarticulate sounds succeeded, but by dint of great patience, the baronet distinguished among the sobs that, "he was afraid Uncle Charlie would go to hell, for telling such a dreadful story, and he couldn't bear to think of it!" CHAPTER VI. Virginie waylaid Sir Everard on his way down to breakfast next morning, to beg him to speak to Humphrey on the subject of leading Miles into mischief. The baronet acquiesced with a sigh. It was a job he particularly disliked. In the short time he was able to be with his children, he enjoyed seeing them all life and happiness; and he hated to bring a cloud over their bright faces. Humphrey was hanging out of the window when his father went into the dining room, and Sir Everard was half afraid of calling him away, for fear of startling him, and causing him to fall out; but at the sound of his father's footsteps, the boy drew himself in and bounded towards him. "Why did you not come and help me to dress this morning?" said Sir Everard, as he kissed him. Humphrey looked rather bored. "Virginie wouldn't let me," he answered; "she thought it would be a good punishment." Here was an opening! Sir Everard felt he ought not to let it slip. "Punishment!" said he, trying to look very solemn; "I am sorry to hear you deserved punishing. Why, what have you been doing?" Humphrey looked up to the ceiling, down to the ground, and all round the room. "I can't remember what it was, father!" Sir Everard tried hard not to smile. "What is the use of scolding such a boy," thought he; "a child who does not even remember for what offence he is suffering?" "Stop a minute!" cried Humphrey, who was still in an attitude of reflection, "perhaps I shall remember presently." He ran over his recent misdemeanors in his head, checking them off with his fingers and his father, seeing it was likely to be a long job, sat down to breakfast. "Well, Humphrey!" he questioned, after a pause, "have you remembered?" "No, I _can't_," answered the boy, "but I'm sure Virginie will. Shall I run up and ask her?" Sir Everard was amused, but a little provoked. It seemed such a hopeless task ever to make an impression upon Humphrey. But he only said, "No, you need not do that; I think I can tell you a little about it. Come and sit down here." Sir Everard turned the tap of the urn, and put on the longest face he could think of. "I am sorry to hear from Virginie," he began, looking full at Humphrey, so as to make sure he was gaining his attention, "that you have----" He stopped in despair, for Humphrey's eyes had wandered to the tap, and his mind was intent on the running water. "Are you listening to me, Humphrey?" "Take care!" was all Humphrey's answer jumping up from his chair, and clapping his hands; "turn it off! quick! look! look! father!"