Oh, I know this isn't pleasant for you to hear," admitted Mrs.Hartwell, in response to the dismayed expression in Billy's eyes; "but I think it's high time you realize something of what those men have sacrificed for you.

Now, to resume.
When they found you were a girl, what did they do?
Did they turn you over to some school or such place, as they should have done?
Certainly not! William would not hear of it.

He turned Bertram out of his rooms, put you into them, and established Aunt Hannah as chaperon and me as substitute until she arrived.

But because, through it all, he smiled blandly, you have been blind to the whole thing.
"And what is the result?
His entire household routine is shattered to atoms.

You have accepted the whole house as if it were your own.
You take Cyril's time to teach you music, and Bertram's to teach you painting, without a thought of what it means to them.