The servants now brought in tea and coffee. Clementina, looking tired and out of spirits, came into the drawing-room, and was almost immediately followed by Mr. Ewart.
“Mr. Ewart,” exclaimed Mr. Hope, stopping suddenly in what he was saying on perceiving the entrance of the clergyman, and addressing him in a sharp, stern, decided manner, “allow me to ask you one question.”
“Did you, or did you not, converse yesterday in the park with the butcher Staines?”
“I did do so,” replied Mr. Ewart, without hesitation.
Ernest bit his lip, till he almost brought blood.
“Did you, or did you not, advise him to vote against me?” continued Mr. Hope, in a tone of suppressed fury.
“I advised him to vote according to his conscience.”
“And you advised these two boys to speak according to their conscience!” exclaimed Mr. Hope, in a voice that made the room ring. “You, the instructor of youth—you, the pattern of strict morality—you have taught your pupils to be hypocrites and liars; you have corrupted their unsuspicious minds—”
“Sir,” said Mr. Ewart, with dignity; but Mr. Hope was too furious to listen.
“I say that you have corrupted them—ruined their principles. Your conduct to me I could pass over; but I cannot leave my nephews one day longer in the hands of one who would teach them to be hypocrites. You leave the castle to-morrow, sir,—”
“Oh, uncle!—Mr. Hope!” cried Ernest and Charles, springing forward, “Mr. Ewart knew nothing of it; it was we—it was I.”
“There is no use speaking,” cried the indignant candidate. “From your conduct, I must judge of the instructions which you have received. Two of my family to be guilty of deliberate falsehood!—Sir,” he continued, turning towards Mr. Ewart, “you have heard my unalterable decision. You quit the castle to-morrow.”
Mr. Ewart bowed gravely, and retired to his own apartment, followed by the almost heart-broken boys.
“I have a key in my bosom, called Promise, that will, I am persuaded open any lock in Doubting Castle.”—_Pilgrim’s Progress._
“What has occurred? what could your uncle mean by speaking of deliberate falsehood?” said Mr. Ewart, as soon as the three were alone in his room, and the door closed behind them.
Ernest was too much agitated to speak. Charles told in a few words all that had happened, omitting nothing but his brother’s greater share in the fault. Mr. Ewart listened with a look of distress on his countenance, which cut both the boys to the soul.