'Papa! I never said so!' cried Alda, beginning to sob.
'Command yourself, Alda; I am not fit for a scene, and I may not be able to speak to you many times again.'
These words--far more new and startling to Alda than to her brother--appalled her into quietness.
'What did you say, Alda? or was it the deceit of silence?'
'I only said boys had ways and means! They did tease and plague so. I do believe Carry Price counts every grape that goes into this house--and they would know how I got my new music--and little Robina would tell--and then came something about Mr. Froggatt; and if they knew--'
'Papa, you have no idea how nasty some of them are.'
'My poor child, I am afraid I have some idea by seeing how nasty they are making you! Gambling more creditable than honest labour!'
Alda had it on the tip of her tongue to say winning things was not gambling, but she knew that argument would be choked down; and she also knew that though she had spoken truth as to her words, she had allowed remarks to pass without protest, on the luck and licence that the model boy allowed himself, and she was bitterly displeased with the treachery of Miss Price.
'These old rags of folly don't look pretty on other folk,' he sighed pleasantly. 'Alda, listen to me. What I have heard to-day gives me more fears for you than for any one of my children. Did you ever hear that false shame leads to true shame? Never shuffle again! Remember, nothing is mean that is not sin, and an acted falsehood like this is sin and shame both--while your brother's deed is an honour.'
Alda was obliged to go away murmuring within herself, 'That's all true: it is very good of Felix, and I should not have equivocated, I know; but those stupid girls, how is one to live with them?'
Felix was not quite dressed the next morning when his mother came to the door of the attic that he shared with Edgar and Fulbert.
'He wants to speak to you before church, Felix. It has been a very bad night, and the sooner this is settled the better.'
'It can't be helped, my dear boy. I think it will really be a great relief to him.'
'Dear Felix, all _minding_, except to have you all well, and fed and clothed, was worn out of me years ago. I can't feel anything in it but that it will keep you by me, my dear good helpful boy.'