Oliver Luxmore stood in doubt, one moment taking his Sunday hat, then putting it back in its card box, then again changing his mind. Before they started, Charles swaggered into the kitchen, and asked for something to eat. ’Where are you all going to, you crabs, as gay as if fresh scalded?’ asked Charles. ’This is Sunday,’ answered his father, ’and I was thinking of taking them to church; but if you wish it, I will remain at home.’ ’Suit yourself,’ said Charles, contemptuously, ’only don’t ask me to go with you. I should hardly do you credit in these rags, and the parson would hardly do me good. In India there were four or five religions, and where there is such a choice one learns to shift without any.’ ’What had I better do?’ asked Oliver turning to Honor. ’Go to church with the children, father. I will remain with Charles.’ ’I am to have your society, am I?’ asked the soldier. ’An hour and a half of curry, piping hot! Well, I can endure it. I can give as well as take. Let me have a look at you, Kate. A tidy wench, who will soon be turning the heads of the boys, spinning them like tee-totums. Let me see your tongue.’ Kate put out her tongue, then he chucked her under the chin and made her bite her tongue. The tears came into her eyes. ’Charles! you have hurt me. You have hurt me very much.’ ’Glad to hear it,’ he said, contemptuously. ’I intended to do it. The tongue is too long, and too sharp, and demands clipping and blunting. I have chastised you for your impertinence last night.’ ’I suppose I had better go,’ said Oliver. ’Certainly, father,’ answered Honor. Then, still hesitating at every step from the cottage to the lane, Oliver went forth followed by seven children. Charles drew a short black pipe from his pocket, stuffed it with tobacco, which he carried loose about him, and after lighting it at the fire on the hearth, seated himself in his father’s chair, and began to smoke. Presently he drew the pipe out of his mouth, and looking askance at his sister, said ’Am I to forage for myself this morning?’ Honor came quietly up to him, and standing before him, said, ’I spoke harshly to you, Charles, last night. I was angry, when you talked of the dear little ones offensively. But I dare say you meant no harm. It is a bad sign when the words come faster from the lips than the thoughts form in the heart. You shall have your breakfast. I will lay it for you on the table. I am afraid, Charles, that your service in the army has taught you all the vices and none of the virtues of the soldier. A soldier is tidy and trim, and you are dirty and ragged. I am sorry for you; you are my brother, and I have always loved you.’