AN AWFUL SOUND FALLS ON MY EAR! 149

did ;—but, for goodness sake, Jack, don’t you
take to lecturing, it doesn’t become you
either,” I say with dignity. “Charity begins
at home, you know!—now I’m going in to -
get my hat; and then I think I shall go
for a walk, now my mind is easy: will you
come?”

“Yes, I don’t mind,” replies Jack, with
immense condescension; and he follows me
leisurely while I rush into the hall and
begin a wild rummage amongst the many
hats hanging there. I have just pounced
upon the right one, and am dragging it out
by the string in triumph, when I hear a
sound which causes me to stand still with
the hat suspended in mid-air.

The library door is a little open, and I
hear a warm argument going on between
Father and some one whose voice I have
surely heard before. I creep a little nearer
to the door, trembling and shivering from
head to foot, for a terrible thought suddenly
springs up, though as yet I will hardly

acknowledge it to myself even. Yes, I know