This was too much even for Dr. Crawford.

"You go too far, Mrs. Crawford," he said. "I am sensible of the boy's
faults, but I certainly will not allow his clothes to be withheld from
him."

"Oh, well! spoil him if you choose!" said the lady, sullenly. "Take his
part against your wife!"

"I have never done that, but I will not allow him to be defrauded of his
clothes."

"I have no more to say," said Mrs. Crawford, her eyes snapping. She was
clearly mortified at her failure to carry her point.

"Do you wish the trunk to be sent to your house?" asked the doctor.

"Yes, sir; I have packed the clothes and locked the trunk."

"I should like to examine it before it goes," put in Mrs. Crawford,
spitefully.

"Why?"

"To make sure that nothing has been put in that does not belong to
Carl."

"Do you mean to accuse me of stealing, madam?" demanded Gilbert,
indignantly.