As she
set it down on the table before him, he said gently, 'My dear, I want
to know what has been passing among you and your school-fellows about
Felix.'
'Oh, nothing, Papa,' said Alda rather hastily. 'Some nonsense or
other is always going on.'
'Very true, no doubt; nor do I wish to be informed of general
nonsense, but of that which concerns you. What have you been saying
or hearing said about Felix?'
'Oh, it's nonsense, Papa. Some of the girls will say anything
disagreeable.'
'You need not have any scruples on Felix's account, Alda; I know
exactly what he has done.' I want you to tell me what is being said--
or you have allowed to be said--about it.'
'That horrible Miss Price!' was all the answer be got.
He sat upright--laid on Alda's wrist a long bony burning hand, whose
clasp she did not forget for weeks, and forcing her to look at him,
said, 'Did you allow it to be believed that your brother Felix was a
gambler?'
'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.
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