In the future, if you want to go running off somewhere, you'd better content yourself with my studio and make a mess there." "Oh, may I ?" cried Jeremy delighted.
That studio had been always a forbidden place to them, and had, therefore, its air of enchanting mystery.
"Won't you really mind my coming ?" he asked.
"I shall probably hate it," answered his uncle; "but there's nothing I wouldn't do for the family." The boy walked to his father's study and knocked on the door.

He did have then, at the sound of that knock, a moment of panic.

The house was so silent, and he knew so well what would follow the opening of the door.

And the worst of it was that he was not sorry in the least.

He seemed to be indifferent and superior, as though no punishment could touch him.
"Come in!" said his father.
He pushed open the door and entered.