"Fudge! Mother knew how to keep him in order. Do you remember when she
threw the carving knife?"

"Sally, for shame! How can you speak of poor mother so?"

"You know it is true, Hypocrisy. There is no harm in coming to the
point."

"It was very nearly coming to the point," said Maggie, giggling.

"Well, what else did he say?"

"He said he didn't know what course he should adopt, but that things
couldn't go on as they were; he thought he should write to Aunts Mary
and Hester, and just as he was going out of the door he said that he'd
prefer to sell the whole place up than continue living here and be the
laughing-stock of the neighbourhood."

At these words all looked frightened, even Sally. She flaunted her
head, however, and said disdainfully: "I wonder he didn't speak of
marrying again."

"Did he say nothing more?" asked Maggie, who determined to know how
matters stood.

"He spoke of Sally; he said it must be put a stop to. I don't know
what he has found out, but I am sure he has found out something."

"Why didn't you ask him?"