Part 11 (2/2)
The young man left the business-like study, and encountered his sister in the hall.
”Well, Harry?”
”Well, Lou.”
”What does papa say?”
”The old story. I'm to go back to drudgery. I think I shall enlist.”
”For shame! and you professing to care as you do for Madelaine.”
”So I do. I wors.h.i.+p her.”
”Then prove it by exerting yourself in the way papa wishes. I wonder you have not more spirit.”
”And I wonder you have not more decency towards my friends.”
Louise coloured slightly.
”Here you profess to believe in my going into trade and drudging behind a counter.”
”I did not know that a counter had ever been in question, Harry,” said his sister sarcastically.
”Well, a clerk's desk; it's all the same. I believe you would like to see me selling tea and sugar.”
”I don't think I should mind.”
”No; that's it. I'm to be disgraced while you are so much of the fine lady that you look down on, and quite insult my friend Pradelle.”
”Aunt Margaret wishes to speak to you, dear,” said Louise gravely. ”I promised to tell you as soon as you left the study.”
”Then hang it all! why didn't you tell me? Couldn't resist a chance for a lecture. There's only one body here who understands me, and that's aunt. Why even Madelaine's turning against me now, and I believe it is all your doing.”
”I have done nothing but what is for your good, Harry.”
”Then you own to it? You have been talking to Maddy.”
”She came and confided in me, and I believe I spoke the truth.”
”Yes, I knew it!” cried Harry warmly. ”Then look here, my lady, I'm not blind. I've petted you and been the best of brothers, but if you turn against me I shall turn against you.”
”Harry, dear!”
”Ah, that startles you, does it? Then I shall tell the truth, and I'll back up Aunt Margaret through thick and thin.”
”What do you mean?”
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