“No; but your son deliberately and maliciously, while driving Mr. Mead’s store wagon, drove into my son’s light buggy, damaged it seriously, and my poor Philip was thrown out. Your son drove off, leaving him insensible by the roadside.” It will be perceived that Mrs. Ross had somewhat embellished the story, with the intention of producing a greater effect. “Was Philip much hurt?” asked the widow, anxiously. “He providentially escaped any serious injury, so far as we know. He may have suffered some internal injuries.” “I am sorry to hear that there has been any difficulty,” said the widow, regaining her composure when she learned that neither of the two boys were hurt; “but I cannot accept your account. Harry is quite incapable of deliberately and maliciously running into Philip.” “I regret that you uphold your son in his wickedness,” said Mrs. Ross, coldly; “but I am not surprised. I told my husband before I set out that you would probably do so.” “Mrs. Ross,” said the widow, in a dignified tone, “I have known my boy for fifteen years, and watched him carefully, and I tell you positively that he wouldn’t do what you have charged upon him.” “Do you question my statement?” demanded Mrs. Ross, haughtily. “Did you witness the encounter?” “No; but my son, who is the soul of truth, told me all the circumstances.” “Your son was probably angry with Harry, and could not be depended upon to give an impartial statement.” “Slander him as much as you please,” said the visitor, angrily. “I have acquainted you with your son’s outrageous conduct, and this is all I proposed. Of course we shall expect you or your son to pay for the damage done to the buggy, and he will be fortunate if we do not have him arrested for assault and battery.” Mrs. Gilbert did not look as much terrified as Mrs. Ross expected. “I am very poor, as you know,” she replied; “but if Harry is really to blame for what has happened, I will do all that I can to repair the injury.” “I am glad to see that you are talking more sensibly.” “Don’t misunderstand me,” said the widow. “I have not heard Harry’s statement yet. From what I know of him, I presume that Philip was more in fault than he. Of course, in that case, I shall not feel called upon to pay anything.” “Of course!” sneered Mrs. Ross; “your son will throw all the blame on my poor boy. Fortunately, we have laws; and it will be the law that must decide this matter. It isn’t for you to decide whether you will pay or not.” This was meant as a threat, but Mrs. Gilbert answered, calmly: “You won’t need to invoke the law, if you have a just claim.” Mrs. Ross rose, for there seemed no more to say. She was considerably disappointed with the result of her mission. She supposed, as a matter of course, that the widow would defend her son; but she had not supposed that she would receive so calmly her threats of having recourse to the law.